The New York Jets made a pickup in the hours following the 2025 NFL Draft that may pay dividends moving forward if history repeats itself. The Jets invited South Carolina State linebacker Aaron Smith to their minicamp and have signed him to a free-agent deal.
Aaron Smith, 6’2″ and 226 lbs, was a standout at SCSU, earning First Team All-MEAC honors in 2024. His senior season included 95 tackles and 8.5 tackles for loss. Known for his instinctive play and coverage abilities, Smith showcased his skills at the 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl. While concerns about his size and occasional over-pursuit exist, his college production and football IQ suggest he has the tools to develop into a reliable NFL contributor for the New York Jets.
Here are just a handful of talented South Carolina State defenders who have become key players and contributors with NFL teams over the years.
1. Deacon Jones (DE)
NFL Teams: Los Angeles Rams, San Diego Chargers, Washington Redskins
Career Highlights: 8× Pro Bowl, 5× First-team All-Pro, 2× NFL Defensive Player of the Year
Legacy: Coined the term “sack” and is considered one of the greatest defensive ends in NFL history. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1980.
2. Harry Carson (LB)
NFL Team: New York Giants
Career Highlights: 9× Pro Bowl, Super Bowl XXI Champion
Legacy: Anchored the Giants’ defense for over a decade and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006.
3. Shaquille Leonard (LB)
NFL Teams: Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia Eagles
Career Highlights: NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (2018), 3× First-team All-Pro
Legacy: Known for his high-energy play and leadership, Leonard quickly became one of the league’s top linebackers after being drafted in the second round.
4. Barney Chavous (DE)
NFL Team: Denver Broncos
Career Highlights: Played 13 seasons with the Broncos, amassing 75 sacks
Legacy: A consistent and durable presence on the Broncos’ defensive line throughout the 1970s and early 1980s.
5. DeCobie Durant (DB)
NFL Team: Los Angeles Rams
Career Highlights: Drafted in the 4th round of the 2022 NFL Draft
Legacy: Emerging talent in the Rams’ secondary, known for his ball-hawking skills and versatility.
6. Donnie Shell (DB)
NFL Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Career Highlights: 4× Super Bowl Champion, 5× Pro Bowl, 3× First-team All-Pro
Legacy: Undrafted out of SCSU, Shell became one of the most feared safeties of the 1970s and 1980s as part of the Steelers’ “Steel Curtain” defense. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020.
7. Dwayne Harper (CB)
NFL Teams: Seattle Seahawks, San Diego Chargers
Career Highlights: Started in Super Bowl XXIX with the Chargers
Legacy: Harper had a 12-year NFL career and was known for his toughness and consistent play, earning a reputation as a reliable cornerback.
8. Robert Porcher (DE)
NFL Team: Detroit Lions
Career Highlights: 3× Pro Bowl, 95.5 career sacks
Legacy: Though he transferred to Tennessee State to finish his college career, Porcher began at South Carolina State and still represents the Bulldog pipeline. He became one of the most productive pass rushers in Lions history.
9. Javon Hargrave (DT)
NFL Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers
Career Highlights: Super Bowl LVII appearance, major free agent contract in 2023
Legacy: Hargrave dominated at SCSU before becoming one of the top interior defensive linemen in the NFL, known for his quickness and strength.
10. Marshall McFadden (LB)
NFL Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers, Oakland Raiders
Career Highlights: Special teams contributor and rotational linebacker
Legacy: McFadden went undrafted in 2009, yet carved out multiple seasons in the NFL, proving that Bulldogs defenders can beat the odds.
Only time will tell if the New York Jets have hit on another diamond in the rough from this HBCU. But history says there is a pretty good chance.
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