Left Tackle Andre Smith

Something happens to University of Alabama junior left tackle Andre Smith when he steps onto a football field.

It's a transformation of sorts, and happens faster than a pancake block.

Off the field, he's about as mild-mannered as it comes, a gentle giant usually with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. He rarely says anything that could be considered upsetting, and frequently leaves the emotional motivation to teammates like senior co-captain Antoine Caldwell.

'Great program, great coaching staff, great fans,' Smith said about Saturday's opponent, Auburn. 'Overall, just great tradition.'

Once he suits up, though, he's another person: Tough, physical, about as hard-nosed as it comes, and finishes plays.

Transformation