 On December 29, 2008, Smith was suspended from playing in the 2009 Sugar Bowl,—a game Alabama lost 31–17 to the Utah Utes—, reportedly because he dealt with an agent.A few days later, Smith declared himself eligible for the 2009 NFL Draft, and at the time he was considered a lock to be a Top 5 pick.Widely believed to be the best run-blocking tackle in the 2009 NFL Draft, Smith drew comparisons to Jason Peters.