Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman Tyler Smith hosts free youth football camp

Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyler Smith hosted a free youth football camp in his hometown of Fort Worth, Texas, Saturday.

According to Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News, about 140 kids age 8-16 showed up and participated. Smith led campers in drills and signed autographs.

Cowboys LT Tyler Smith gave back to his hometown today, hosting a free football camp in Fort Worth. About 140 kids, age 8-16. Smith has discussed being example to local youth since Cowboys drafted him in 2022. Led campers in drills, signed autographs. Photos via Breen Photography pic.twitter.com/NpCFiSqHez

— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) June 24, 2023

Smith, 22, is preparing for his second season in the NFL after the Cowboys selected him 24th overall in last year’s NFL Draft out of Tulsa. He started all 17 games across left tackle and left guard for the Cowboys, surrendering six sacks in 1,144 snaps, via Pro Football Focus.

With a season under his belt, Smith said he feels a lot more comfortable this time around.

“After getting that first year under my belt, I understand what the expectation is,” Smith said at Crowley ISD Stadium Saturday, per Gabriel Trevino of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “I’ve gone through camp, OTAs, I’ve been through the season before. Being comfortable and acclimated to what I need to do has helped me a lot in terms of being confident and who I am. That first year was kind of nervous. Everything was new. Going to a new locker room and some of the guys are like 30, 34. I’m used to being in a locker room with 18-23-year-olds. Getting acclimated with the guys helped me a lot.”

Where will Tyler Smith play on Cowboys’ offensive line in 2023?

The Cowboys initially sought to play Tyler Smith at left guard, though a left hamstring tear to veteran left tackle Tyron Smith ahead of the season forced their hand. Tyler Smith became the blindside protector to quarterback Dak Prescott. Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed during mandatory minicamp last week that the elder Smith will assume his post at left tackle, sending the younger Smith back to left guard.

“Luckily just having those reps last year, it’s nothing new,” Tyler Smith said, via Layten Praytor of Cowboys.com. “I think it’s good for just staying sharp and having the best five out there. That’s really the point of emphasis right now is to make sure we have those best five.

“It’s definitely like riding a bike. It’s like those mountain bikes where you have to switch gears sometimes. So just staying sharp on the footwork is the biggest thing. At guard you have to have quicker hands and quicker with your feet. So just refining those little details.