Mazi Smith, a key defensive lineman for Michigan, received an interesting honor. Smith tops the list of college football’s “Freaks List” for 2022.

Bruce Feldman, of The Athletic, put Smith on his list after watching this video of him.

“The 6-foot-3, 337-pound senior has rare power and agility,” Feldman writes. “So rare, in fact, it’s hard to find the right superlative to begin with.”

This is the second time in 3 years that a Michigan player tops this list. Kwity Paye was No. 1 in 2020 and last year Aiden Hutchison was listed as No. 2.

Smith was part of that Michigan defense that was one of the best in the country last year. The Wolverines’ defense finished 20th in the country giving up about 330 yards per game and was a top 5 defense in the Big Ten.

Smith was part of the reason. Smith’s speed (he runs a 4.41) along with his strength, impressed his coaches right away.

Michigan’s strength and conditing coach Ben Herbert said this about Smith:

“Mazi’s rotational strength is ridiculous!” Herbert said.  “He is an incredible combination of rare traits packaged into one player. He is just ridiculously strong and powerful.”

If Michigan is to make another run at a B1G title, they will be led by Mazi Smith and that Wolverine defense.