Josh Smith Outstanding Citadel Linebacker

provided by Tracy Smith

At The Citadel, they call him “smiles,” but don’t let that fool you. Josh Smith is a beast on the football field—a true warrior. If ever there was an unsung, true-grit college football player, it’s Josh Smith. You can teach technique, but you can’t teach heart. Josh has the heart of a lion, a love of the game, and he plays physical football!

At 6 feet, 216 lbs., Josh plays LB & Safety. During his 12-year football career, he has excelled at FB, MLB, OLB and DE. He was born to play this game.

Josh Smith, Citadel — Josh Smith, Citadale

Josh graduated from Heritage High, Conyers, Ga., in 2015. Josh was recruited by Auburn (to play HB/FB), Princeton, Georgia Tech, NC State, USC, Clemson, West Georgia, Tusculum and others. However, Tusculum College offered him a full scholarship (with books), so his single mother encouraged him to accept.

Josh red-shirted his first year due to the depth chart, but as usual, he made his mark. That year (2015), the season ended with many coaches being let go and it was suggested to the team to find another program, if possible, because of the upheaval. Josh is one of the athletes who chose to leave.

In May 2016, Josh became a Citadel Bulldog. The coaches had been aware of Josh since his senior year in high school. However, all of the football scholarship funds had been committed. So, Josh joined the Citadel (D1) as a preferred walk-on. Excited about Josh, the coaches checked with the NCAA about his eligibility to play, but his transfer from D2 to D1 forced him to sit out a year. This was hard for Josh who loves to lead on the field and shines brightly when it’s game time. He’s been patient, but now he’s ready to do what he does best—play football.

Says Josh, “At first, I was concerned about meeting D1 standards, especially on the championship Citadel team. But, now that I’m on the team, the players are asking me to take it easy on them. I’m raising the bar.”

His outstanding work on the practice field, earned Josh a spot as one of only 10 allowed to dress out with the team. At the request of teammates, Josh works after hours with defensive players on hand techniques. Josh has been recognized for his hands as you will see in his HUDL film. The Citadel is a Military College and, while he speaks highly of it, Josh found that the military lifestyle isn’t for him. Josh is looking for a new and permanent home and the opportunity to play. He is a smart player with good fundamentals who is also a play maker. Josh Smith is a player to meet.

FULL DISCLOSURE:

Josh suffered a torn meniscus his junior year in high school resulting in surgery.
Josh played out of position his 12^th grade year, that’s where his team needed him.
Josh left Tusculum College amidst great uncertainty about the program due to coaching changes.
At the Citadel, Josh discovered military life is not for him. He is now looking for a permanent college football home.