Emory Smith Explained

Emory Smith
Number:18, 22
Position:Fullback
Birth Date:May 21, 1974
Birth Place:Pensacola, Florida, U.S.
Height Ft:6
Height In:0
Weight Lbs:245
High School:Pensacola (FL) Escambia
College:Clemson
Undraftedyear:1997
Pastteams:

Emory Gerald Smith (born May 21, 1974) is a former American football fullback. He was a member of the Scottish Claymores in NFL Europe. He played college football at Clemson University.

Early years

Smith attended Escambia High School. In football, he was a two-way player at fullback and linebacker.[1]

As a senior, he tallied 1,001 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. He was ranked as the seventh-best fullback in the country by recruiting analysts.[2]

College career

Smith accepted a football scholarship from Clemson University. As a redshirt freshman, he collected 89 carries for 387 yards (4.3-yard avg.), 2 rushing touchdowns and 4 receptions for 74 yards.[3] He was named the offensive MVP of the 1993 Peach Bowl, after registering 8 carries for 45 yards (5.6-yard avg.), one rushing touchdown and a 57 yard reception.[4]

As a sophomore, he had 44 carries for 145 yards (3.3-yard avg.), 3 rushing touchdowns and 3 receptions for 18 yards.[3]

As a junior, he was named the starter at fullback, posting 145 carries for 712 yards (4.9-yard avg.), 14 rushing touchdowns (tied for second in school history), 6 receptions for 31 yards, one receiving touchdown and 15 total touchdowns (tied for second in school history).[3] His best game came in the 38–17 win against the University of South Carolina, when he had 12 carries for 101 yards (8.42-yard avg.), scored 2 touchdowns, and had one run of 54 yards in which he dragged one member of the Gamecock secondary 6 yards on his back.[5] As a senior, he was limited by injuries, collecting 80 carries for 324 yards (4.1-yard avg.), 6 rushing touchdowns and 2 receptions for 25 yards.[6] [3] He finished his college career with 358 carries for 1,568 yards (4.4-yard avg.), 25 rushing touchdowns, 15 receptions for 148 yards and one receiving touchdown.

Professional career

Green Bay Packers

Smith was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Green Bay Packers after the 1997 NFL draft on April 25.[7] He was waived on August 19, 1997.[8]

Dallas Cowboys

On October 22, 1997, he was signed to the Dallas Cowboys' practice squad, reuniting with his brother Emmitt Smith.[9]

Green Bay Packers (second stint)

On December 30, 1997, he was signed to the Green Bay Packers' practice squad for the playoffs, when he became a free agent, seven days after the end of the season.[10]

On January 28, 1998, he was re-signed by the Packers. On August 30, 1998, he was waived with an injury settlement, after suffering a serious hamstring injury in the last preseason game against the Miami Dolphins.[11]

Scottish Claymores

In 1999, he signed with the Scottish Claymores of NFL Europe.[12] He posted 5 carries for 25 yards and 3 receptions for 20 yards.[13]

Personal life

Smith brother is Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith.[14]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: GATORS, SEMINOLES LEAD STATE IN COMMITMENTS . Orlando Sentinel . February 4, 1992 . February 15, 2023.
  2. Web site: 'Other Smith' puts power into Clemson attack . Tampa Bay Times . September 10, 1993 . February 15, 2023.
  3. Web site: Emory Smith college stats . Sports Reference . February 15, 2023.
  4. Web site: PEACH BOWL: CLEMSON 14, KENTUCKY 13 . The Washington Post . January 1, 1994 . February 15, 2023.
  5. Web site: Clemson 38, South Carolina 17 . United Press International . November 18, 1995 . February 15, 2023.
  6. Web site: Familiar Name Follows Smith to Shrine Game / Emmitt's legend shadows brother Emory . San Francisco Gate . January 10, 1997 . February 15, 2023.
  7. Web site: Emory Smith comfortable with comparisons to brother . Associated Press . April 27, 1997 . February 15, 2023.
  8. Web site: Roster moves . Tampa Bay Times . August 20, 1997 . February 15, 2023.
  9. Web site: Emory Smith comfortable with comparisons to brother . The New York Times . August 19, 1997 . February 15, 2023.
  10. Web site: Emory Smith comfortable with comparisons to brother . Associated Press . December 30, 1997 . February 15, 2023.
  11. Web site: Packers Trade Seth Joyner . Associated Press . August 30, 1998 . February 15, 2023.
  12. Web site: SMITH'S ROUTE TO NFL RUNS THROUGH EUROPE . Orlando Sentinel . April 4, 1999 . February 15, 2023.
  13. Web site: Emory Smith career stats . Pro Football Archives . February 15, 2023.
  14. Web site: Scottish Claymores Players 1999: Emory Smith . 2010-11-01 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110716114828/http://www.claymores.co.uk/team/players/1999/smith22.php . 2011-07-16 .