GEORGE’S NFL CRASH COURSE

GEORGE SMITH didn’t grow up an NFL fan and hadn’t watched the Super Bowl until just over a month ago

But one phone call and a look on YouTube convinced him to swap rugby for American football.

The 22-year-old is part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway programme, which scouts for gifted athletes and puts them through a 10-week crash course in hope of earning a place on one of the 32 teams. Among the class of 2024 are Wales rugby superstar Louis ReesZammit (circle) and ex-England youth star Harry Mallinder.

Smith (top) came through the ranks at Old Redcliffians in

Bristol before turning professional with Coventry, but he tore up his contract last year, taking an enormous leap of faith to try to make it as an offensive lineman. Standing at 6ft 9in and 19 stone while at Coventry, Smith has bulked up since, weighing in at 22st 7lbs a week out from his pro day, when NFL scouts will watch him complete a series of drills. Smith said: “After a training session with Coventry my agent wanted me to give him a call. He told me [NFL international football development manager] James Cook was asking about people who tick boxes, and apparently I ticked most boxes.

“A couple of calls led to a meeting and a workout in person and then they thought I was a good fit.

“In my mind, I said yes straight away after watching everything on YouTube and researching the programme. But I was under contract so I had to do it properly and make sure I didn’t hurt relationships with people who have been good to me.”