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Mississippi State 2013 Impact Players: No. 18 -- Preston Smith

Quick, name the team leader in sacks for Mississippi State in 2012. If you said Cam Lawrence or Denico Autry, you were close, but wrong. Preston Smith led the team with 4.5 sacks, and if he can do more in 2013, it could be a stellar year for the Bulldog defensive line.

By justinrsutton
Spruce Derden-US PRESSWIRE

Playing in a backup capacity in 2012, Preston Smith managed to lead the Mississippi State Bulldogs with 4.5 sacks. He also ranked third on the team with 5.5 tackles for a loss. In 2013, one has to wonder what his potential might be as he is projected to start for Mississippi State.

Breaking down Smith's production in 2012, three of his sacks came against SEC competition as he picked up a sack against Auburn, Arkansas, and Kentucky. He tallied six tackles in each of his contests against Alabama and Ole Miss. Overall, his game against Arkansas may have been his best performance, as he picked up four tackles, 1.5 for a loss, one sack and a fumble recovery.

If he can step up his production as a starter, the Mississippi State Bulldogs may have one of the nastiest defensive lines in the SEC.

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