Unranked Checkup: From unwanted to top 10 spotlight

Every Friday during the football season, we take a look back at some players who are performing well in either college football or the NFL despite the fact that they were unrated as high school prospects. This week we take a look at two defensive players who didn’t receive any scholarship offers but are now contributing members on top 10 programs.

THIS WEEK'S CHECKUPS: Five-Stars| Four-Stars | Three-Stars | Two-Stars

As a recruit: Delaney was a multi-sport star at Whale Branch High School, lettering four times in football, baseball and basketball while also impressing in track & field. Despite his many accolades, Delaney didn’t have many options in terms of scholarships. After receiving interest from several FCS schools, Delaney accepted a scholarship from The Citadel. After redshirting his first year on campus, Delaney quickly developed into a starter and by his sophomore season he was an All-American. Following his junior season in 2016, Delaney transferred to Miami for his final season of eligibility.

What he did this week: Delaney has had his ups and downs while adjusting to the FBS level but he has had his share of big moments when healthy. He had a key interception in the Florida State game and after missing time with an injury came back to record six tackles in Saturday’s win over Virginia. Miami’s secondary has been a major strength this season and a big part of the team’s run to the No. 2 spot in the rankings. Having a healthy Delaney contributing will only help heading into the team’s most important games. While his impact hasn’t been as big as some expected heading into the year, it’s clear Delaney has Power Five talent and slipped through the cracks as a recruit.

As a recruit: An accomplished high school football player and wrestler, Smith had just as many college scholarship offers to compete on the mat as he did on the gridiron. While he had plenty of options, none came from FBS schools. Initially it looked like Smith would head to Princeton to play football, but a late press from the Nittany Lions offering a chance to play close to home and walk on at the school was too much to pass up. Smith joined the team prior to the 2013 season.

What he did this week: During his first three years on campus Smith was little more than a scout team player, appearing in three total games from 2013-15. But in 2016 he blossomed into an important part of the Penn State defense, appearing in 14 games while starting two. This year Smith has been even more impressive and he came up big in Saturday’s win over Nebraska, leading the team with 13 total tackles. On the season Smith has 35 stops, good enough for fourth best on the team. Smith is a classic success story of a local prospect achieving his dreams of playing for his hometown school.