Will Smith (linebacker, born 1992)

Will Smith
No. 40Dallas Cowboys
Position: Linebacker
Personal information
Date of birth: January 13, 1992
Place of birth: Riverside, California
Height: 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight: 231 lb (105 kg)
Career information
High school: Riverside (CA) Notre Dame
College: Texas Tech
NFL draft: 2014 / Round: 7 / Pick: 238
Career history
*Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Stats at NFL.com

William Lamont "Will" Smith (born January 13, 1992) is an American football linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Cowboys in the seventh round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas Tech.

Early years

Smith played football, basketball and ran track at the high school level for Notre Dame High School. He received league MVP and All-county honors in both football and basketball.

College career

He began his college career playing football at the Division II (NCAA) level at Northwood University in 2010 as a freshman. Smith would later transfer to Riverside City College in his hometown, helping the team to a perfect 11-0 record during his sophomore season. Following his sophomore season, Smith announced his intention to transfer to Division I (NCAA) Texas Tech in 2012.

In his initial season at Texas Tech, Smith played in all 13 games and logged 55 tackles with 34 solo tackles. His performance would earn him an 3rd Team All-Big 12 Conference selection by Phil Steele.[1]

Smith's senior season in 2013 earned him several more accolades. Smith posted 120 tackles (86 solo), 10.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and a fumble return for a touchdown. His mark of 120 tackles marked the most by a Red Raider since the NCAA record setting Lawrence Flugence's in 2002 at 193.

For his performances throughout the season, Smith earned Holiday Bowl defensive MVP honors, as well as 1st Team All-Big 12 Conference selections by the Associated Press and the Big 12 Broadcasters.[2]

Pre-draft

Pre-draft measurables
Ht Wt 40-yd dash 10-yd split 20-yd split 20-ss 3-cone Vert Broad BP
6 ft 2 in 231 lb 4.59 s 1.62 s 2.73 s 4.53 s 7.04 s 37 1/2 in 9 ft 5 in 17 reps
All values from Texas Tech Pro Day

Professional career

Dallas Cowboys

Smith was drafted in the seventh round (238th overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys.[3] He was waived on August 29 and signed to the practice squad. He was released to make room for defensive end Michael Sam on September 3.[4] He was re-signed to the practice squad on October 29.

References

  1. Steele, Phil. "Phil Steele's Postseason All-Big 12 Team" (PDF). Phil Steele. Retrieved 10 May 2014.
  2. "2013 AP All-Big 12 Team". Associated Press. 9 December 2013. Retrieved 10 May 2014.
  3. "Cowboys pick Tech linebacker Will Smith in 7th round of NFL Draft". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. 10 May 2014. Retrieved 10 May 2014.
  4. "DE Michael Sam Joins The Cowboys’ Practice Squad". DallasCowboys.com. 3 September 2014. Retrieved 3 September 2014.

External links