Anthony Smith

Anthony Smith grew up in Virginia with his parents (Amy Smith-Powell and Everick Powell) and started playing football at age 7. He continued playing little league after the family relocated to Maryland, but because of his smaller size, he opted not to play his freshman or sophomore years at Huntingtown High School. After serving as the team’s punter as a junior, he became a starting receiver as a senior and helped Huntingtown to a 12-1 record. He finished the 2019 season with 35 catches for 918 yards (26.2 average) and 14 touchdowns. He was also a standout track athlete, winning the state title in the 55-meter dash (6.36 seconds) and the 300 (34.49). A three-star recruit, Smith didn’t receive his first offer (Navy) until a month into his senior season, and he committed to NC State after receiving an offer that November. Despite being the fastest player on the Wolfpack roster, he struggled to find steady offensive snaps. After his fourth year at NC State, he entered the portal and transferred to East Carolina, where he started every game the past two seasons and surpassed 1,000 yards receiving in 2025. His younger brother (Evan Powell) is a rising redshirt freshman defensive lineman at ECU. A tall, lean athlete, Smith has immediate speed to win vertically as a deep threat or with the ball in his hands. He can burst off the line but needs to develop his release package to avoid being rerouted by early contact. Though he has adequate hands, he is inconsistent framing the football and relies too much on his body, which leads to drops. His questionable play strength shows, mid-route and as a blocker. He wasn’t a returner in college and didn’t play special teams at ECU. Overall, Smith is a linear route runner with drop issues, but his “see-ya” speed will help separate him, both on the field and in an NFL training camp.