While he may not have been selected during the NFL’s 2017 Draft, Maurice Smith was quickly signed by the Dolphins as an undrafted free agent following the selection process last offseason. The former Georgia and Alabama defensive back would go on to appear in six games for Miami as a rookie in 2017.

The Dolphins began camp last week and according to head coach Adam Gase, one of the most impressive players on his roster during the early days of training camp is the former SEC defensive back. The way Gase tells it, Smith could be in for a big sophomore season heading into 2018.

“I think his confidence level is extremely high right now,” Gase said of Smith, according to Alain Poupart of MiamiDolphins.com. “He understands the defense. It’s allowing him to play faster.”

Gase’s praise didn’t stop there, either. The Miami coach also noted that Smith has proven to be “one of the best-conditioned players on the roster” during the early period of training camp.

While these comments won’t guarantee success by the time the season rolls around, it does suggest that Smith deserves significant looks for the Dolphins heading into the preseason. Should he impress with his performance leading up to the regular season, don’t be surprised if Smith becomes the latest Nick Saban/Kirby Smart defensive back to make a name for himself at the game’s highest level.