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Rod Smith (running back)

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Not to be confused with Rodney Smith (running back).
For other people named Rod Smith, see Rod Smith (disambiguation).

Rod Smith
refer to caption
Smith with the Oakland Raiders in 2019
Personal information
Born: (1992-01-10) January 10, 1992 (age 32)
Fort Wayne, Indiana, U.S.
Height:6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:236 lb (107 kg)
Career information
High school:Paul Harding
(Fort Wayne, Indiana)
College:Ohio State (2011–2014)
Position:Running back
Undrafted:2015
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career NFL statistics
Games played:55
Rushing yards:364
Rushing touchdowns:5
Receptions:30
Receiving yards:272
Receiving touchdowns:1
Return yards:65
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Rod Smith (born January 10, 1992) is an American football running back who is a free agent. He was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 2015. He played college football at Ohio State.

Early years

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Smith attended Paul Harding High School, where he received All-state and player of the year honors as a senior.[1] He graduated after rushing 1,000 times for a SAC conference career rushing record of 6,625 yards and 66 touchdowns.[2]

As a senior, he also was an All-conference basketball player and was a part of the state's runner-up 4 × 100 metres relay team.

College career

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Smith accepted a football scholarship from Ohio State University as a highly rated recruit.[3] As a redshirt freshman, he appeared in 10 games, opening the season against the University of Akron with 18 carries for 74 yards and one touchdown. The next week against the University of Toledo he started to show a fumble problem, diminishing the coaching staff confidence in him. His production was limited the rest of the season behind Dan Herron, Carlos Hyde and Jordan Hall. He registered 29 carries for 116 yards and one touchdown, while playing mainly on special teams. He was also suspended after missing the team flight to the 2012 Gator Bowl.

As a sophomore, he was a backup behind Hyde and Jordan, appearing in 12 games with 32 carries for 215 yards and two touchdowns. He led the team in kickoff returns (13), total return yards (303) and return average (23.3). His best game came against Penn State University, tallying 4 carries for 48 yards.

As a junior, he was suspended for an undisclosed offseason incident for the season opener against the University at Buffalo. He fell back in the running back rotation behind Hyde, Jordan, Dontre Wilson and Ezekiel Elliott. He recorded 22 carries for 117 yards (5.3-yard average) and one touchdown.

As a senior, he missed most of spring camp for academic reasons. He still emerged as the team's goal line running back behind sophomore starter Elliott, posting 24 carries for 101 yards and 4 touchdowns, while also contributing on special teams. On October 27, he was dismissed from the football team after a failed drug test and decided to declare for the NFL Draft.[4][5] He finished his college career with 549 rushing yards on 107 carries with ten touchdowns.[6]

Professional career

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Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight
6 ft 2+5⁄8 in
(1.90 m) 		231 lb
(105 kg)
All values from Pro Day[7]

Seattle Seahawks

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Smith was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Seattle Seahawks after the 2015 NFL draft on May 2.[8] He was waived on September 5 and signed to the practice squad the next day.

On October 10, he was promoted to the active roster to provide depth while running backs Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson recovered from injuries. He played in one game against the Cincinnati Bengals, rushing for five yards on two carries.[9][10] He was released on October 13.[11]

Dallas Cowboys

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2015 season

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On October 14, 2015, he was claimed off waivers by the Dallas Cowboys.[12] He became the third-string running back after Joseph Randle was released on November 3. He appeared in 10 games, playing mainly on special teams and having one kickoff return for 26 yards.[13]

2016 season

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In 2016, Smith was moved to fullback during OTAs, although he did not have the traditional size and body. He competed with converted linebacker Keith Smith for the position and both made the team, although Rod was used only for special teams purposes. On November 3, after injuries to Morris Claiborne and Barry Church, the Cowboys were forced to release him to make room for cornerback Leon McFadden. Smith was re-signed to the practice squad two days later.[14][15] At the time, he was tied for second on the team with four special teams tackles.

2017 season

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Smith with the Cowboys in 2017

Smith signed a reserve/future contract with the Cowboys on January 16, 2017.[16] In 2017, he returned to running back behind Ezekiel Elliott, Alfred Morris, and Darren McFadden. During the preseason, he was moved up to third-string because of his improved play and production on special teams. On September 17, in week 2 against the Denver Broncos, Smith had his first two carries with the Cowboys, which went for eight yards during a 42–17 defeat.[17]

When Elliott was suspended for six games for violating the league's personal conduct policy, Smith ended up earning more playing time behind Alfred Morris. On Thanksgiving Day against the Los Angeles Chargers, Smith scored his first professional touchdown on a 2-yard rush. He finished the game with 41 rushing yards, a rushing touchdown, and seven receiving yards.[18] During Week 13 against the Washington Redskins, Smith ran for 27 yards and a touchdown as the Cowboys won by a score of 38–14.[19]

In the next game against the New York Giants, Smith had 47 rushing yards and a touchdown along with 113 receiving yards, including an 81-yard touchdown reception, helping secure a 30–10 win.[20] In Week 15 against the Oakland Raiders, Smith rushed for 13 yards and a touchdown as the Cowboys narrowly won by a score of 20–17.[21]

When Elliott returned from his suspension in Week 16 against the Seattle Seahawks, Smith's productivity dropped since he only rushed for 10 yards in that game.[22] He was declared inactive for the last game against the Philadelphia Eagles, after battling an illness and a sore back. Smith finished the season with 55 carries for 232 yards, 4 rushing touchdowns, 19 receptions, 202 receiving yards, one receiving touchdown and 5 special teams tackles (tied for fifth on the team).[23]

2018 season

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Smith wasn't a factor on offense as the backup running back, but maintained his role as a core special teams player. His most action on offense came in the season finale against the New York Giants, registering 12 carries for 35 yards and one touchdown, when starter Ezekiel Elliott sat out to rest for the playoffs. His numbers decreased from the previous season to 44 carries for 127 yards and one touchdown.[24] He was second on the team with 10 special teams tackles.

New York Giants (first stint)

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On May 8, 2019, Smith signed with the New York Giants.[25] He was placed on injured reserve with an adductor injury on August 31, 2019.[26] He was released from injured reserve with an injury settlement on September 10.[27]

Tennessee Titans

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On October 8, 2019, Smith signed with the Tennessee Titans.[28] He appeared in 3 games and was declared inactive in 2 contests, playing only on special teams and had one tackle. He was released on November 12.

Oakland Raiders

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On December 10, 2019, Smith was signed by the Oakland Raiders, reuniting with special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia, who served in the same role with the Cowboys.[29] He appeared in three games, playing on special teams. He had three solo tackles.[30]

On March 25, 2020, Smith was re-signed to a one-year contract.[31] He was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the team on August 6, 2020.[32] He was activated from the list on August 18.[33] He was released on September 1, 2020.[34]

New York Giants (second stint)

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On September 8, 2020, Smith was signed to the New York Giants practice squad, reuniting with offensive coordinator Jason Garrett, who was his head coach with the Cowboys.[35] On September 29, 2020, Smith was released from the Giants practice squad, to make room for another former Cowboys running back (Alfred Morris).[36]

Carolina Panthers

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On August 5, 2021, Smith was signed by the Carolina Panthers.[37] He was released on August 17, 2021.[38]

Vegas Vipers

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Smith was selected by the Vegas Vipers in the 9th round of the Phase 6 of the 2023 XFL Draft.[39][40] He reunited with head coach Rod Woodson, after Smith grew up attending Woodson's annual summer camps as a youth. He appeared in nine games, posting 70 carries for 274 yards (led the team), two rushing touchdowns, 13 receptions for 116 yards and one receiving touchdown.[41] The Vipers folded when the XFL and USFL merged to create the United Football League (UFL).[42]

NFL career statistics

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Regular season

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Year Team Games Rushing Receiving Fumbles
GP GS Att Yds Avg Lng TD Rec Yds Avg Lng TD Fum Lost
2015 SEA 1 0 2 5 2.5 3 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0
DAL 10 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 1 6 6.0 6 0 0 0
2016 DAL 7 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 1 4 4.0 4 0 0 0
2017 DAL 15 1 55 232 4.2 45 4 19 202 10.6 81T 1 0 0
2018 DAL 16 1 44 127 2.9 14 1 9 60 6.7 14 0 0 0
Career 49 2 101 364 3.6 45 5 30 272 9.1 81T 1 0 0

Postseason

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Year Team Games Rushing Receiving Fumbles
GP GS Att Yds Avg Lng TD Rec Yds Avg Lng TD Fum Lost
2018 DAL 1 0 1 1 1.0 1 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0
Career 1 0 1 1 1.0 1 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0

Personal life

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Smith's younger brother, Jaylon, was a Pro Bowl linebacker in the NFL and a consensus All-American in college.[43][44]

References

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  1. ^ Marini, Glenn (July 26, 2017). "Harding grad Rod Smith's journey to NFL filled with highlights and heartbreak". WANE 15. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  2. ^ "The 'surreal' path brothers Jaylon, Rod Smith took to the Cowboys to play together for the first time". SportsDay. December 10, 2017. Retrieved March 14, 2018.
  3. ^ "Rod Smith College Stats". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved March 14, 2018.
  4. ^ Ward, Austin (October 27, 2014). "Report: Ohio St. axes RB Smith for failed test". ESPN.com. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  5. ^ Landis, Bill (October 28, 2014). "Ohio State football coach Urban Meyer confirms RB Rod Smith's dismissal from team". cleveland.com. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  6. ^ "Rod Smith Career Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved March 14, 2018.
  7. ^ "Rod Smith, Ohio State, RB, 2015 NFL Draft Scout, NCAA College Football". draftscout.com. Retrieved January 20, 2022.
  8. ^ Landis, Bill (May 6, 2015). "Rod Smith, dismissed from Ohio State football team in October, signs undrafted free agent deal with Seattle Seahawks". cleveland.com. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  9. ^ Condotta, Bob (October 10, 2015). "Seattle Seahawks promote RB Rod Smith to 53-man roster, place CB Tharold Simon on IR". Seattle times. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  10. ^ Condotta, Bob (October 13, 2015). "Seattle Seahawks release WR B.J. Daniels, RB Rod Smith". Seattle Times. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  11. ^ Talbot, Damond (October 14, 2015). "Seahawks release WR B.J. Daniels and RB Rod Smith". NFL Draft Diamonds. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  12. ^ Sabin, Rainer (October 14, 2015). "Cowboys claim Seattle RB Rod Smith off waivers". The Dallas Morning News. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  13. ^ "Rod Smith 2015 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 14, 2018.
  14. ^ Phillips, Rob (November 3, 2016). "Cowboys Waive Fullback Rod Smith, Create Open Roster Spot". DallasCowboys.com. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  15. ^ Bouda, Nate (November 5, 2016). "Cowboys Sign FB Rod Smith To Practice Squad". NFLTradeRumors.co. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  16. ^ Eatman, Nick (January 16, 2017). "Showers, Rod Smith Among 12 Players Signed To Cowboys Offseason Roster". DallasCowboys.com. Archived from the original on October 18, 2017.
  17. ^ "Dallas Cowboys at Denver Broncos - September 17th, 2017". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved October 14, 2017.
  18. ^ "Los Angeles Chargers at Dallas Cowboys - November 23rd, 2017". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 4, 2019.
  19. ^ "Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys - November 30th, 2017". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 4, 2019.
  20. ^ "Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants - December 10th, 2017". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 14, 2018.
  21. ^ "Dallas Cowboys at Oakland Raiders - December 17th, 2017". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 4, 2019.
  22. ^ "Seattle Seahawks at Dallas Cowboys - December 24th, 2017". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 4, 2019.
  23. ^ "Rod Smith 2017 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 14, 2018.
  24. ^ "Rod Smith 2018 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 4, 2019.
  25. ^ Eisen, Michael (May 8, 2019). "Giants sign former Cowboys RB Rod Smith". Giants.com. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  26. ^ Eisen, Michael (August 31, 2019). "New York Giants announce 53-man roster". Giants.com. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  27. ^ Fennelly, John (September 11, 2019). "Giants waive Rod Smith, two others with injury settlements". Giants Wire. USA Today. Retrieved September 12, 2019.
  28. ^ Wyatt, Jim (October 8, 2019). "Titans Add K Cody Parkey and Two RBs – Rod Smith and Dalyn Dawkins – During a Flurry of Roster Moves". TitansOnline.com. Retrieved October 8, 2019.
  29. ^ "Raiders announce transactions - 12.10.19". Raiders.com. December 10, 2019. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  30. ^ "Rod Smith 2019 Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  31. ^ Mosher, Marcus (March 21, 2020). "Raiders re-sign RB/FB Rod Smith to one-year deal". Raiders Wire. USA Today. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  32. ^ Dubow, Josh (August 6, 2020). "Raiders unable to utilize all their new digs in Las Vegas". Fox5Vegas.com. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
  33. ^ @Raiders (August 18, 2020). "We have activated RB Rod Smith from the Reserve/COVID list and have waived DB Ken Crawley" (Tweet). Retrieved August 18, 2020 – via Twitter.
  34. ^ Alper, Josh (September 1, 2020). "Raiders part ways with five players, including Jordan Devey and Rod Smith". ProFootballTalk. Retrieved September 1, 2020.
  35. ^ Valentine, Ed (September 8, 2020). "Giants roster moves: DB Ryan Lewis, RB Rod Smith added to practice squad". Big Blue View. SB Nation. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  36. ^ "RB Alfred Morris and QB Clayton Thorson added to practice squad; DB Madre Harper intends to sign Thursday". Giants.com. September 29, 2020. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
  37. ^ Gantt, Darin (August 5, 2021). "Panthers sign running back Rod Smith". Panthers.com. Retrieved August 5, 2021.
  38. ^ Gantt, Darin (August 17, 2021). "Panthers put Troy Pride Jr. on IR, trade Greg Little". Panthers.com. Archived from the original on August 18, 2021. Retrieved August 18, 2021.
  39. ^ "Draft Central". XFL.com. Retrieved February 23, 2023.
  40. ^ "Rod Smith XFL Stats, News, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College". XFL News Hub. November 23, 2022. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  41. ^ "Rod Smith". Football Database. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  42. ^ Seifert, Kevin (January 1, 2024). "Newly formed United Football League sets 8 markets, tabs coaches". ESPN.com. Retrieved January 15, 2024.
  43. ^ Haynie, Jess (May 9, 2019). "RB Rod Smith Signs with Giants; Brother Jaylon Sends Farewell Message ✭ Inside The Star". Inside The Star. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  44. ^ Townsend, Brad (December 10, 2017). "The 'surreal' path brothers Jaylon, Rod Smith took to the Cowboys to play together for the first time". Dallas News. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
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