Skip to Main Content
EyePartInnerEyePartCorner
player headshot
UCLA • #58 • DL

Gary Smith III

player headshot

Big Ten Standings

Team Conf Overall
IND
 9-0 16-0
OHIOST
 9-0 12-2
OREG
 8-1 13-2
USC
 7-2 9-4
MICH
 7-2 9-4
IOWA
 6-3 9-4
WASH
 5-4 9-4
ILL
 5-4 9-4
MINN
 5-4 8-5
NEB
 4-5 7-6
NWEST
 4-5 7-6
PSU
 3-6 7-6
UCLA
 3-6 3-9
RUT
 2-7 5-7
WISC
 2-7 4-8
MICHST
 1-8 4-8
MD
 1-8 4-8
PURDUE
 0-9 2-10
Full Standings
Now Playing
Share Video
Link copied!
  • Image thumbnail
    2:04

    Iamaleava on Returning to UCLA, Thoughts on Bob Chesney -- Excerpt

  • Image thumbnail
    1:11

    Nico Iamaleava on Recruiting Players to Return to UCLA, JMU's Offensive Scheme -- Excerpt

  • Image thumbnail
    1:51

    Bob Chesney Addresses UCLA Fan Engagement and Attendance -- Excerpt

  • Image thumbnail
    1:48

    Bob Chesney on his Plan for Success with UCLA Football -- Excerpt

  • Image thumbnail
    1:33

    Tim Skipper on his Time as Interim Coach, Fan Support -- Excerpt

  • Image thumbnail
    1:34

    Bob Chesney to Finish the Season at JMU As He Prepares for UCLA Role

  • Image thumbnail
    1:58

    Initial Reactions To UCLA Hiring Bob Chesney As Head Coach

  • Image thumbnail
    0:27

    BREAKING: UCLA Hiring Bob Chesney as Head Coach

  • Image thumbnail
    0:29

    Week 14 Top 25 CFB Picks: UCLA at 17 USC

  • Image thumbnail
    1:45

    UCLA basketball Bruins Tim Skipper USC Passing Game Getting Players Hyped Up

  • Image thumbnail
    2:40

    Tim Skipper on Washington's Offense, Run Game Production, Duncan -- Excerpt

  • Image thumbnail
    2:39

    Tim Skipper on Player Mindset, Learning from Loss, His Time as Interim Head Coach -- Excerpt

  • Image thumbnail
    1:48

    Week 12 CFB Top 25 Picks: UCLA at 1 Ohio State

  • Image thumbnail
    2:16

    Tim Skipper on DiGiorgio's Status, Offensive Line, Ohio State Prep -- Excerpt

  • Image thumbnail
    3:05

    Tim Skipper on Getting QB Pressure, Iamaleava's Toughness, Nebraska Takeaways -- Excerpt

  • Image thumbnail
    7:05

    CFB Coaching Carousel Draft

  • Image thumbnail
    1:56

    CFB Coaching Carousel Draft: Picks 6-9

  • Image thumbnail
    2:35

    Tim Skipper on Working on Fundamentals, Nebraska's Run Game and Defense -- Excerpt

  • Image thumbnail
    2:16

    Tim Skipper on Nebraska's QB Situation, Personnel Update -- Excerpt

  • Image thumbnail
    0:50

    Chip Patterson's Top 5 CFB HC Openings: No. 5 UCLA

See All NCAAF Videos

Draft Scouting Report

Pro Comparison: Khyiris Tonga
Summary

Gary Smith III is a powerful, veteran defensive tackle who serves as a massive presence in the middle of the line. After missing the 2024 season due to injury, he returned as a reliable space-eater capable of anchoring against double teams. He leans on strength and consistent effort more than a deep pass-rush toolbox, but his ability to control gaps makes him a valuable piece against the run.

About
  • 2025: 40 tackles, 1.5 TFL and 0.5 sacks (12 starts)
  • Career: 50 games (25 starts) across Duke (2020-21) and UCLA (2022-25)
Strengths
  • Exceptional strength to anchor against double teams and displace blockers.
  • Consistent effort with surprising straight-line speed for a 329-pound frame.
  • Outstanding leverage and pad level that make him difficult to move.
Weaknesses
  • Limited pass-rush repertoire to win consistently as a finisher.
  • Can struggle to disengage quickly once engaged.
  • Significant 2024 injury history that requires further evaluation.
Combine Data
  • Vertical jump: 28 inches

Top Gary Smith III News

Player Bio

HT/WT: 6-1, 319 lbs
Birthplace: Shelbyville, TN
Class: Senior