Darius Smith '17 Recruiting Profile

I’ve been around professional football most of my live. The year I was born, one of my relatives began his career in the NFL and my family would travel to his games until his retirement in 2013.  This sparked an interest in the game, but fear kept me from playing.   At the start of my sixth grade year, my friends decided to play middle school football and I chose to join them.  I quickly earned a starting position as a running back and scored my first touchdown (76 yards) on my very first rushing attempt.  Unfortunately,  the season was short lived due to an injury in the third game.  I bounced back in seventh grade and regained my starting position.  These challenges taught me that setbacks are only temporary.  Rather than dwell on my sixth grade injury,  I focused on getting better and preparing for the next year.  I had very successful seventh and eighth grade seasons. 

I was challenged by another setback my freshman year, I did not make the varsity squad as I expected.  I’ve always possessed the physical ability to be an athlete.  I did not realize that in middle school my success was based solely on my God-given ability.  I was faster and stronger than most players.  In order to play at the next level, I had to prepare mentally, physically and with a purpose.  I spent my sophomore and junior years training for the game I have come to love – football!  I saw limited playing time those years, but I was very effective each time I had an opportunity.  I continue to push myself and maintain a great attitude and remain focused on my goals: 1) a starting position; and 2) playing at the collegiate level.  I am so committed in my mission that I travel 1 ½ hours every Sunday to perfect my craft as a DB against some of the best wide receivers in Georgia.   During the off season,  I have continued to train and I also competed in track this spring to improve my speed and explosiveness.  In addition, I have also gained considerable knowledge that has allowed me to become a more intelligent and efficient athlete!