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26th March 2024
04:15pm GMT
Down goalkeeper Charlie Smyth has caught the eye of numerous scouts and agencies over the last few weeks as he looks set to become a trailblazer.
Smyth will work out with the New Orleans Saints later this week, as per Pro Football Ireland.
Smyth, who was an Ulster Under-20 winner with Down, has been in America as a participant in the NFL IPP (International Player Pathway) program from the start of February.
Along with Rory Beggan, Smyth, Wicklow goalkeeper Mark Jackson and Darragh Leader took part in the NFL Combine last month, followed by an extended stay in Florida to attend an NFL Pro Day last week.
It’s fair to say the Down man has impressed. Just check out this stunning kick below from one of his trials.
"The NFL are not going to be able to cope with a kicker bending it in 20-30 yards through the post," was one of the replies, acknowledging the bend on Smyth's kick.
At his NFL Pro Day last week, Smyth successfully converted eight out of his ten attempts, showcasing his accuracy and distance, with one of his successful kicks from 60 yards.
“It went decent, my kick-offs went really well and then I had really good contacts on all my balls, but there’s probably one or two you’d like back” Smyth said. “But overall I’m generally quite happy.”
At the age of only 22, Smyth is the youngest of the Irish hopefuls, with his youth sure to stand to him in any contract talks.
An NFL fan for years, he now has the opportunity of a lifetime and the chance to make a roster.
The New Orleans Saints are a massive NFL franchise, on the go since 1967 and Super Bowl champions in 2009. They have made 14 playoff appearances, in their history, and they play in the 73,000 seat Caesars Superdome.
Interested in all things NFL? You can follow Pro Football Ireland on all socials (X, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook) for live updates and news.
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