Texas A&M football: Despite injury, Ainias Smith still impresses at combine

In spite of leg injury, Ainias Smith puts up impressive combine number to lead all wide receivers

It will come as no shock to any Texas A&M football fan that Ainias Smith is a tough, hardworking, hard-nosed guy—a "kneecap-biter," to use Dan Campbell's terminology. But if there were any NFL teams who weren't aware of that fact, they are now.

Smith arrived at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis hoping to make a big impact. As a player with less-than-desirable physical traits for the NFL—in other words, on the short side—he was anticipating getting to showcase the aspects of his game that made him such an indispensable player for the Aggies even since his freshman year.

That hope was sadly dashed when it was revealed, per Ian Rapoport, that Smith has a stress fracture in his left shin. This precluded him from participating in drills where his talent would have shone brightly, such as the shuttle.

Even so, Ainias was not to be deterred. Despite not being able to even run, Smith set out to show off what he could do. What is that, you ask? How about put up more reps on the bench press than any wide receiver that attended the combine?

This is exactly what made Ainias such a huge part of this Texas A&M football team over the last few years: his grittiness, determination, and never-say-die attitude. It was that kind of strength of character that got him a scholarship offer in the first place; that helped him make that game-tying touchdown catch against Alabama; and so many more moments.

Smith is garnering notice from league veterans, such as Steve Smith, for his ability to contribute on special teams. His tape will show that he is not only an explosive weapon with the ball in his hands, but a willing and capable blocker as well. In short, he is the ultimate competitor, and a guy who will make any NFL team that drafts him a better organization. Here's hoping he finds the right spot in the league.