DT Gary Smith III recaps NFL Combine, UCLA Pro Day experiences

The defensive lineman met with reporters Wednesday after taking part in select drills in front of NFL scouts to look back on his journey.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 8:03pm

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Gary Smith III, a defensive tackle at UCLA, recently participated in the NFL Combine and UCLA's Pro Day workouts as he pursues his NFL dream. Smith, who transferred to UCLA after two years at Duke, reflected on his journey and the support he received from former teammates who went through the NFL process before him.

Why it matters

Smith's journey highlights the hard work and determination required for Division I football players to make it to the NFL. His experiences at the NFL Combine and UCLA's Pro Day provide insight into the evaluation process for NFL teams as they assess draft prospects.

The details

After an ankle injury derailed his 2024 season, Smith returned in 2025 to make 39 tackles and start all 12 games. This effort earned him an invitation to the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, where he joined 319 other draft prospects in drills, tests, and interviews with NFL teams. Smith leaned on former UCLA teammates like Laiatu Latu and Carl Jones, who had gone through the process before, to help prepare himself for success.

  • Smith participated in the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.
  • Smith took part in UCLA's Pro Day workouts on Wednesday.

The players

Gary Smith III

A defensive tackle at UCLA who recently participated in the NFL Combine and UCLA's Pro Day as he pursues his NFL dream.

Laiatu Latu

A former UCLA teammate of Smith's who had gone through the NFL process before and provided guidance to Smith.

Carl Jones

Another former UCLA teammate of Smith's who had gone through the NFL process before and provided guidance to Smith.

Garrett DiGiorgio

A UCLA offensive tackle who also participated in the NFL Combine along with Smith.

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What they’re saying

“It's always been a dream as a kid. But when it felt really attainable was probably the '23 season when (Laiatu) Latu, Carl (Jones) and guys of that echelon, being around guys like that, knowing they're on my team and they're doing well. I feel like I can do well, too, and now just to see how everything's changed from here, man, it's just a blessing.”

— Gary Smith III, Defensive Tackle, UCLA

“I talked to 'em about the combine, what they asked. That's what family for and that's what we here to do, help each other.”

— Gary Smith III, Defensive Tackle, UCLA

What’s next

Smith will await the results of the 2026 NFL Draft to see if he is selected by an NFL team.

The takeaway

Gary Smith III's journey from Duke to UCLA, overcoming an injury, and participating in the NFL Combine and Pro Day showcases the hard work and determination required for Division I football players to pursue their NFL dreams. His experiences provide valuable insights into the evaluation process for NFL teams as they assess draft prospects.