Smith grew up in Columbia before attending South Carolina. He was on the field all four years for his hometown school, picking up 228 total tackles, 12 passes defensed, 1.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and five interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown.
“It would be unbelievable,” admitted Smith of playing for the Panthers. “My family right down the road, I have a couple of teammates that play for them as well, so just staying home, you can’t never beat that.”
Having so many former teammates close by has made the process easier for Smith as well, he explained.
“Oh yeah, I’ve talked to a lot of guys, Bam Martin-Scott, who’s with the Panthers, Nick (Emmanwori) in Seattle. I talked to a lot of guys, you know, X (Legette) with the Panthers as well. Talked to those guys,” said Smith. “All giving me great advice. So, just listening to those guys, taking that in, and just adding it to what I know already.
“It’s a business now when you get to that league. Here, you know, it’s more relaxed, but once you get to the NFL level, it’s a business. You can have your your position, can be taken just like that if you’re not coming in to work every day.”