Pac-12 Football: Each team’s most important newcomer for 2020

E.J. Smith, son of NFL Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith, fits what seems to be a new offensive philosophy by the Cardinal. They are moving away from “intellectual brutality” and are moving toward more spread philosophies.

Smith is a tailback that fits that type of offense. He can do it all. He can catch the ball out of the backfield and is as comfortable running between the tackles as he is running to the perimeter. The Cardinal have two other all-purpose type running backs on their roster.

Both Nathaniel Peat and Austin Jones have similar physical dimensions as Smith. All three are under six feet tall and around 185-200 pounds. Without a bell-cow back like Bryce Love in the fold, the Cardinal look to employ a running back by committee approach.

Though Smith might have the biggest impact of any new player in Palo Alto, the Cardinal are going to play a lot of youngsters this season. Look for young players at linebacker and defensive back to have an impact on the field this season.

Smith, however, just might have the biggest impact of all. He instantly upgrades the receiver room. He has the best skill set of any of the running backs they have as well. Smith will compete for the starting job and just might win it.