Former Tiger defender Rod Smith is in his third season working an internship with the football team. Smith lettered from 2004-06 and was a standout for the Tiger defense before having his playing career cut short following a severe neck injury in the 2006 Arkansas State game, where he fractured his C5 vertebrae and required surgery. Smith was back on the sidelines just four days after surgery to support his teammates. He continued to join his team at practices and workouts through the 2007 season. For his career, Smith played in 28 games and made 13 starts. He completed his career with 89 total tackles over three seasons, including 56 solos and 33 assisted tackles. He also added five pass breakups and two interceptions. A native of Milan, Tenn., Smith was presented the Top Tiger Award in 2007, and had previously been awarded the True Tiger Award at the 2006 Blue-Gray Game. In the spring of 2005, he received the Chris Faros Most Improved Award. Smith graduated from the U of M in August 2008 with a degree in sport and leisure management. |
Memphis Tigers
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