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Alabama Football: 30 Tide Greats who exceeded their 3-Star high school rankings

By Ronald Evans

Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide fans in the crowd against the Clemson Tigers in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide fans in the crowd against the Clemson Tigers in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Brad Smelley, Alabama football
Brad Smelley, Alabama football (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images) /

Alabama football players who exceeded 3 star ranking: 28. Brad Smelley

  • Tuscaloosa, AL
  • Tight End (2008-2011)
  • 2008 Recruit Ranking: No. 948 in the nation

Brad Smelley was a high school quarterback at American Christian Academy in Tuscaloosa. He was also a talented baseball player who became a receiver at Alabama and grew into a key offensive role as an H-back.

Brad Smelley was a starter for Alabama football in 2011. He played in 49 games in his Crimson Tide career. In his four seasons, he caught 54 passes for a total of 559 yards. In the 2011 national championship season, Smelley was a key receiver for quarterback A.J. McCarron. In 2011 Smelley caught 34 passes and four of his catches went for touchdowns.

Take a look at a McCarron to Smelley connection in the Iron Bowl.

Smelley was drafted by the Cleveland Browns as the 274th pick in the seventh round of the 2012 NFL Draft. The Browns viewed Smelley as a versatile player, who could perform at fullback and tight end.

Smelley saw limited regular-season game action in the NFL. He played in two games for the Browns in 2012 and two games for the Houston Texans in 2013. Smelley also was a member of the practice squad for the St. Louis Rams and Los Angeles Rams in 2013, 2014 and signed a futures contract with the Rams in 2016.

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