Taking a Look at Hollywood Smothers' Fit in the Texas Offense

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Earlier in the week, we took a look at Raleek Brown's fit in the Texas offense. Today, it is Hollywood Smothers' turn.

Smothers was a 1st Team All-ACC honoree at NC State.

In 2025, Smothers ran for 939 yards and six touchdowns on 160 rush attempts. Out of the backfield, Smothers also hauled in 37 receptions for 189 yards and a touchdown. Enjoy some highlights here.

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I wanted to share some All 22 clips from the 2025 season showcasing Smothers', while also giving an idea of how it may translate to the Steve Sarkisian offense in 2026.

I would love to see the reverse end zone shot here. Because how did Smothers find a way out of this one in the backfield?

Regardless, patience is going to be a common theme here  

 

 

the vision and cutback here is great. Smothers behind last year’s offensive line would have helped tremendously, given this was common place off the LOS.

Add in the breakaway speed. 

You will notice Smothers is at his best reading and setting up blocks once he gets to the second level. Another instance here. 

 

Split zone. Find your lane, cut and go. 

Could easily see Goosby & Siani with that kickout block in space. 

A lot of credit to the NC State OL here. Great duo and climb from the LG & C, but the TE and LT create a massive running lane. 

All smothers has to do here is make the alley safety miss, which he does and he’s off to the races. 

Don't let Smothers play Campbell again...

Love this vision 

I think Arch will enjoy Smothers as a checkdown option. 

Catch and run for a score. 

9 minutes ago, CJ Vogel said:

Don't let Smothers play Campbell again...

May he do that to SWTSU

I know the reports have said they’re very high on Raleek, but I personally like Smothers film and running style more due to patience, vision, and his cutbacks. I think Smothers has been underrated and will show on gameday that he is a natural running back. Might not be as impressive of a summer workout guy as Raleek but seems like he’s just a football player. I see a lesser Jahmyr Gibbs when I watch Smothers. Big jump in competition this year so we’ll see if he’s as effective.

I love this RB I know otf keeps reporting on brown but he is going to be RB1 for me 

16 minutes ago, Joe Zura said:

I love this RB I know otf keeps reporting on brown but he is going to be RB1 for me 

Absolutely loved him on the first half of last year 

29 minutes ago, akhookem said:

I know the reports have said they’re very high on Raleek, but I personally like Smothers film and running style more due to patience, vision, and his cutbacks. I think Smothers has been underrated and will show on gameday that he is a natural running back. Might not be as impressive of a summer workout guy as Raleek but seems like he’s just a football player. I see a lesser Jahmyr Gibbs when I watch Smothers. Big jump in competition this year so we’ll see if he’s as effective.

What I am excited about is the versatility of this RB room with Derek Cooper waiting in the wings.   

28 minutes ago, akhookem said:

I know the reports have said they’re very high on Raleek, but I personally like Smothers film and running style more due to patience, vision, and his cutbacks. I think Smothers has been underrated and will show on gameday that he is a natural running back. Might not be as impressive of a summer workout guy as Raleek but seems like he’s just a football player. I see a lesser Jahmyr Gibbs when I watch Smothers. Big jump in competition this year so we’ll see if he’s as effective.

My favorite thing about the two is they should absolutely coincide together. 

Smothers in the 1st six games last year:

• 4 100-yard games
• 31 missed tackles forced
• 20 rush attempts of 10+ yards

Smothers in the final five games of the year:

• 0 100-yard games
• 18 missed tackles forced
• 4 rush attempts of 10+ yards

These guys are going to take a lot of pressure off of Arch.  Can not wait to see what this unit accomplishes this season.

59 minutes ago, CJ Vogel said:

My favorite thing about the two is they should absolutely coincide together. 

Smothers in the 1st six games last year:

• 4 100-yard games
• 31 missed tackles forced
• 20 rush attempts of 10+ yards

Smothers in the final five games of the year:

• 0 100-yard games
• 18 missed tackles forced
• 4 rush attempts of 10+ yards

Those numbers concern me a bit and are part of what makes me feel hesitant on him being RB1. His production fell off significantly against quality opponents. 

14 minutes ago, TexasMDcoach said:

These guys are going to take a lot of pressure off of Arch.  Can not wait to see what this unit accomplishes this season.

Definitely what I’m looking most forward to is an Arch Manning who doesn’t need to shoulder the load for the entire offense

Smothers has some wiggle. I like how once he sees the cut, he goes

I think Raleek is more explosive but Smothers looks to have better vision and instincts. Both should complement each other well. I think both will be running behind a better line than they had last year which should even the playing field as far as facing better competition. 

6 minutes ago, Beard N Balls Bundle said:

Smothers has some wiggle. I like how once he sees the cut, he goes

Very much a strength. 

4 minutes ago, Deep in the heart said:

I think Raleek is more explosive but Smothers looks to have better vision and instincts. Both should complement each other well. I think both will be running behind a better line than they had last year which should even the playing field as far as facing better competition. 

I was surprised at the more I watched of Smothers I saw the patience of Wisner, but in a more explosive body. Theres a lot of similarities there imo 

2 minutes ago, CJ Vogel said:

I was surprised at the more I watched of Smothers I saw the patience of Wisner, but in a more explosive body. Theres a lot of similarities there imo 

Agreed.

@CJ Vogel Any idea how each of these players have physically matured in the Texas strength training program?

What I mean is- did they have room to improve physically and thus possibly sustain momentum throughout the season?

15 minutes ago, 4thandFive said:

@CJ Vogel Any idea how each of these players have physically matured in the Texas strength training program?

What I mean is- did they have room to improve physically and thus possibly sustain momentum throughout the season?

Haven't heard much. Both have now been in a weight and conditioning program for four years. I would not expect a huge physical jump from either.