Chris Smith (running back, born 1999)
Chris Smith (September 8, 1999) is an American football running back for the Seattle Seahawks.
| No. 34 – Seattle Seahawks | |
|---|---|
| Position: | Running back |
| Personal information | |
| Born: | September 8, 1999 Meridian, Mississippi |
| Height: | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) |
| Weight: | 194 lb (88 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school: | Nanih Waiya (Louisville, MS) |
| College: | Louisiana (2018–2022) |
| Undrafted: | 2023 |
| Career history | |
| |
| Roster status: | Active |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| |
Early life and high school
Smith was born on September 8, 1999, in Meridian, Mississippi. He attended Nanih Waiya High School, being named the 2016 "Mr. Football".[1]
College career
2018–2019
Smith committed to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, spending his first year as a redshirt and appearing in four games. As a redshirt freshman in 2019, Smith appeared in every game of the season and placed fourth on the roster with 334 rushing yards. He ran for four touchdowns on the year.[1]
2020–2021
In 2020, Smith appeared in all 11 games for the school and served as their return specialist and third running back. As a returner, Smith made 23 kick returns for 617 yards and two touchdowns, and twice earned conference special teams player of the week honors. He finished the season with 1,137 all-purpose yards, 30th most in the nation.[1] Following the season, he was named a first-team All-America selection by CBS and 247Sports.com.[2]
In 2021, Smith earned the starting running back role and led the team with 855 rushing yards on the year.[3] In a 28–27 win over Arkansas State, he ran for a career-high 238 yards and two touchdowns.[4]
Professional career
Smith signed with the Seattle Seahawks on May 12, 2023 as an undrafted free agent.[5]
References
- "Chris Smith - Football - Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns". Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns.
- Prather, Scott (December 23, 2020). "Ragin' Cajun RB/KR Chris Smith Named 1st Team All-American". ESPN.
- Buckley, Tim (December 13, 2021). "Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns running back Chris Smith questionable for the New Orleans Bowl". The Daily Advertiser.
- Buckley, Tim (October 22, 2021). "After losing friend to gun violence, Chris Smith runs for 238 yards for Ragin' Cajuns". The Daily Advertiser.
- "Seahawks Sign 25 Undrafted Free Agents, Six 2023 Draft Picks". Seahawks.com. May 12, 2023.