How does Michael Mayer compare to Highlands’ Derek Smith?

[DevilMayCare]

I was watching Highlands versus CovCath over the weekend and was struck by the sheer size and athleticism of #87. I've said this before, but he looks like he's ready to suit up for Notre Dame right now. His physique suggests a college junior, not a high school junior.

 

When I think of prototype TEs from NKY, Highlands great Derek Smith immediately comes to mind. Size, athleticism, hands… Smith seemingly had the total package, as does Mayer. As someone who's only ever seen Smith on old game films, I'm not the most qualified to break down any comparison between the two. Is Mayer's upside higher than Smith's was? Is Mayer the best TE prospect to come out of NKY (or the entire state?) since Smith?

[Retiredtooearly]

Not trying to offend anyone here but I think the “biggest” difference you may find is who was throwing to Smith.

[catholicdude]

It was longer ago than Smith but maybe a more similar comparison is another Notre Dame guy, Frank Jacobs from New Cath.

[Guest]

It would be interesting to see their numbers side by side. Derek was a three year starter as well. Mayer still has his senior year, he could plateau at freak or become a legend.

 

I think Derek Smith was more athletic than Mayer is. Derek had that basketball player / TE thing going and was that rare combo of size and body control. It was like Derek was designed to be a TE. He was also a top 2 or 3 player in the state in two sports.

 

I think Mayer is more aggressive. IMO Mayer plays bigger at LB than he does at TE. He is more of defensive guy than Derek was (Derek was really good on D, just comparing). We really shouldn’t compare until next year, but at TE I’d take Smith all day. On D it’s Mayer.

[godfather1]

Derek Smith was an amazing football player at HHS. It wouldn't have mattered if Forrest Gump was throwing him the ball. He could catch anything, block anybody, and run like a deer. Derek could do whatever you asked him to do on either side of the ball. It's a nice comparison, but I'd take Mr. Smith every time.

[Bwtigerpaw]

It would be interesting to see their numbers side by side. Derek was a three year starter as well. Mayer still has his senior year, he could plateau at freak or become a legend.

 

I think Derek Smith was more athletic than Mayer is. Derek had that basketball player / TE thing going and was that rare combo of size and body control. It was like Derek was designed to be a TE. He was also a top 2 or 3 player in the state in two sports.

 

I think Mayer is more aggressive. IMO Mayer plays bigger at LB than he does at TE. He is more of defensive guy than Derek was (Derek was really good on D, just comparing). We really shouldn’t compare until next year, but at TE I’d take Smith all day. On D it’s Mayer.

 

Mayer is a basketball player as well. Played a lot as a sophmore on the state championship team. He is pretty athletic. Not sure how fast Smith was. Mayer is not super fast but fast enough and athletic enough to do very well. ND recruited him as a TE.

[Guest]

I doubt he is on the same level of basketball Smith was. I think D Smith was runner up in both Mr Basketball and Mr Football. That’s what kind of athlete he was. We will see if Mayer gets to that.

[THUNDERBIRDS]

Maher has a Longer List of Colleges that are recruiting him. I think Derek would of went the Penn State route if it wasn’t for the Package deal with Lorenzen at Kentucky. At least that’s what I assumed.

 

Maher is A Genetic Monster where Smith was a Big Kid that could play TE or WR & Fly!...It didn’t matter where he lined up! I’m a homer here and I’m going with Derek Smith. More Athletic all around.....JMO!

 

But Michael Maher can line up at my “H” receiver anyday of the week and Seal the Edge! Phenomenal blocker but also has great Mitts!

[colonel-fan]

I believe Frank Jacobs was 6'4' 235, Derek Smith was 6'6' 240, and Mayer is currently listed at 6'6" 235.

 

Those are all big, athletic guys. Really tough to compare as Mayer is only a junior while I remember those other guys as seniors. Jacobs was a heck of baseball player too, drafted in the 7th round by the Mets. Smith played a season of basketball at NKU after not getting drafted into the NFL when he left UK early. These guys really overwhelmed high school competition. While I expect a lot of homer votes, you really couldn't go wrong with any of them on your team.

[UK#1fanisback]

Both are great athletes. Smith was unreal at TE and basketball. I think Mayer is better on defense.

[UK#1fanisback]

Another comparable player was TE/Basketball player John Gibson SK 93 grad 6'7 240 pounds played football at UK then transferred to NKU to play basketball.

[Ir1sh]

Maher has a Longer List of Colleges that are recruiting him. I think Derek would of went the Penn State route if it wasn’t for the Package deal with Lorenzen at Kentucky. At least that’s what I assumed.

 

Maher is A Genetic Monster where Smith was a Big Kid that could play TE or WR & Fly!...It didn’t matter where he lined up! I’m a homer here and I’m going with Derek Smith. More Athletic all around.....JMO!

 

But Michael Maher can line up at my “H” receiver anyday of the week and Seal the Edge! Phenomenal blocker but also has great Mitts!

 

*Mayer*

[dadof2]

Mayer is a basketball player as well. Played a lot as a sophmore on the state championship team. He is pretty athletic. Not sure how fast Smith was. Mayer is not super fast but fast enough and athletic enough to do very well. ND recruited him as a TE.

 

Smith was recruited to play both football and basketball for UK. Decided to not play basketball to focus on football and went on to be named All SEC at TE. Pretty tough to top that. see article below.

 

Derek Smith To Concentrate On Football - University of Kentucky

[THUNDERBIRDS]

*Mayer*

 

Sorry about that. I honestly thought is was spelled the other way.

[MyOpin]

Hellacious group of athletes being discussed in this thread. I really respect the multi-sport success! Smith and Jacobs even having the opportunity to do it in college is impressive.

 

Mayer is definitely a big dude. Does he have the frame to add the size needed to be an NFL TE prospect? Is there any chance he winds up as DE/LB ... like Connor Barwin.