30 for 30: #2 KJ Smith — Pass Rusher

DL, KJ Smith (6-1, 260) | Frisco (TX) Centennial

— With 12 sacks in his first three seasons for Baylor, Smith heads into his senior season 6.0 sacks shy of claiming the No. 1 spot in school history for sacks in a career. He is second on the team in career sacks to fellow senior Taylor Young. 

— Smith has played in 39 career games and started a total of 24 including 13 in 2016, three in 2015, and eight as a redshirt freshman in 2014. Smith's five sacks as a redshirt freshman gave him first-team Freshman All-American honors and put him on pace for the remainder of his career.

— Baylor's depth chart for the season opener against Liberty listed Smith as a starter on the interior of the line. Matt Rhule addressed the decision to start Smith on the inside by saying the senior is a difference maker as a pass rusher with his lateral quickness from the interior. Expect Smith to play at the end position as well.
 
— Smith is the leader of a defensive line unit that is one of if not the deepest position for the Bears in 2017. With expectations for defensive players to play around 50 snaps per game, Smith's motor, which already runs hot, should be more fresh from start to finish of games as well as the entire season.

— It's not difficult to set expectations for Smith this fall. In a scheme that will focus on rushing the passer, Smith's skill set should shine every game. Though Taylor Young could always beat him out, if Smith stays healthy, it would be a small dissapointment if he did not at least tie for the career sack record

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