Smith played high school football for the Wichita Southeast High School Golden Buffaloes, earning first-team All-City honors in 1971 and 1972. He also participated in track and field for the Golden Buffaloes, winning the state championship in the 100-yard dash in 1971. He was inducted into the Southeast High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2012.[1]
College career
Smith played for the Kansas Jayhawks from 1973 to 1976 and was a three-year starter.[1] He garnered All-Big Eight recognition in 1974.[1] He set school records for career rushing yards with 3,192 and single season rushing yards with 1,181 in 1974.[2][3] Smith also accumulated career totals of 23 rushing touchdowns on 488 attempts, and averaged a stunning 6.5 yards per carry (also a school record). He recorded 217 yards and two touchdowns on 21 receptions.[3] He also participated in track for the Jayhawks, winning the 1976 Big Eight championship in the 100 meters and 440-yard relay.[4] His personal bests were 10.29 for the 100 meters, and 20.44 for the 200 meter dash.[5]
Professional career
Pittsburgh Steelers
Smith was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 99th pick in the 1977 NFL Draft.[6] He played in seven games for the team, and later suffered a broken leg, during the 1977 season.[2][6] He spent a few more years on the Steelers roster.[7]