BOONE When NFL scouts arrived at Appalachian State this summer, they immediately asked about linebacker D.J. Smith.

With his speed, size and tackling ability, Smith appears to have the potential to be another Mountaineers defender with a professional football future.

"He's a good player and a terrific leader," said coach Jerry Moore, who is entering his 22nd season at Appalachian State. "He runs to the ball, he tackles well, he's got great anticipation.

"Sometimes it's like he knows what the play is. He's a smart football player and has a lot of football savvy."

Smith, who attended Independence High, was named an All-American after last season and earned a preseason nod this fall. It's an honor he said he's willing to share.

"It's a tribute to my teammates," said Smith, who is 6-foot-1 and 235 pounds. "If it wasn't for the other 10 guys on the field, then I couldn't make plays."

To attract NFL teams, Smith knows what he must do on the field.

"I've got to keep playing hard, stay consistent and be a leader," Smith said.

This month, Smith was one of 51 players nationwide named to the Butkus Award Watch List, which recognizes the nation's top collegiate linebackers. He was the only one from an NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA) school.

Consistency hasn't been an issue in three years as a Mountaineer. His tackle numbers as a freshman (121 total) and sophomore (123) are similar to last season, when he recorded 137, including 14.5 tackles for loss and two sacks.

Another season with similar numbers and he'll join three-time NFL Pro Bowler Dexter Coakley as the only Mountaineers to amass 500 career tackles.

Defensive coordinator Dale Jones has also answered questions from NFL scouts about Smith. He said the Charlottean will likely move from weak-side linebacker to middle linebacker in the pros because he can cover tight ends and running backs.

"He'll have a chance (in the NFL)," Jones said. "He brings great leadership. His qualities on and off the field are impeccable."

Leadership is often mentioned by coaches and players when speaking of Smith. He can be vocal on the field, but teammates notice his actions, too.

"He knows everything," sophomore Jeremy Kimbrough said. "In a game he's pretty much flawless. You follow him and you should be good."

Coming out of high school, Smith had options but chose Appalachian State because he thought he could play immediately. Seven games into his first season in 2007, he moved into the starting lineup.

Smith played for a highly successful high school program, being a part of Independence's 109-game winning streak and four state championships. He moved on to play for a college team that has won three Southern Conference titles and a national championship since his arrival in Boone. Still, there were losses to contend with.

"Having won all of my games in high school, it wasn't fun to come here and lose," said Smith, whose teams have won 35 of 43 games at Appalachian State. "It's part of the game and you have to bounce back from it."

Even with all the on-field accolades and the possibility of playing professionally, Moore says Smith is a better person than player. "You can only play football for so long, you've got to be the kind of person you are for the rest of your life," Moore said.