LB Smith having a breakout season

BOCA RATON — Florida Atlantic linebacker is often overshadowed because he plays alongside

Smith Azeez Al-Shaair.

Even with Al-Shaair grabbing most of the headlines, Smith is putting up career-best numbers in the shadows. He is the Owls’ second-leading tackler with 77 and arguably been the most improved player on defense.

“I feel like last year was a learning process,” said Smith, a sophomore. “I’m back to having fun this year.”

As a freshman last year, Smith struggled with the adjustment of playing at the collegiate level. He appeared in 10 games but it was mostly a learning experience. This season, he’s been more effective under new defensive coordinator

After opening the season with 10 tackles against Navy, Smith had his best performance in last week’s victory against Florida International. He finished with eight tackles, three sacks and forced a fumble. What coach

is most impressed by is the 6-foot-2, 210-pound Smith’s ability to cover the run and also drop in pass coverage.

“He’s really built like a safety,” Kiffin said. “He’s really been allowed to play a lot of man to man or he can even cover on slot receivers or flexed-out tight ends.”

Al-Shaair has led the team in tackles the last three seasons but should receive even more competition from Smith next year.

“Just playing off Azeez, every day competing with him trying to be the best,” Smith said.

FAU at Charlotte, Saturday, 2 p.m., online at watchstadium.com

Kiffin Chris Kiffin. Next game: Rashad Lane