Jaylen Smith
Written by Karver Jordan
Jaylen Smith Running back, Rhode Island
Year: Junior
Height and Weight: 5 foot 10 inches (5’10”) 205 pounds
College Career:
The 5’10” running back is having a great college career so far. Very explosive once past the line of scrimmage. Jaylen Smith is great in the running game and an excellent player for Rhode Island. Let’s take a look at the statistics of his career so far. In 2021 Smith would record 73 rushing attempts for 362 yards. The RB would average 5.0 yards a carry, pretty impressive numbers. The RB would have 10 receptions for 110 yards with 3 touchdowns.
Smith would touch base on the 2021 season!
“The 2021 season was my first glimpse at college football. I started the season off as starting returner and eventually worked my way up throughout the season to get a starting spot. The most memorable moment for me in the 2021 season was when we went down to unassuming Amherst and I scored my first breakaway touchdown. An 80-yard rushing touchdown. That helped my team and I get some momentum to finish our season with a winning record.”
In 2022 Smith would continue to play great football. In the 2022 season, the 5’10” 205-pound RB would play in 8 games and would record 51 rushing attempts for 272 yards with 3 touchdowns. Great numbers from the running back! 5.3 yards a carry is very impressive, I would expect Jaylen Smith to keep producing great numbers.
The RB would touch base on 2022
“The 2022 season taught me a lot about myself and my commitment to the game of football. I started off as the number 1 back in the running back room but due to injuries and us having great talent in the running back room I sat the majority of the season.”
Jaylen Smith and I would talk about what makes him unique and what Rhode Island has taught him so far.
“Those Island has been helping me before I even got to the university. I am a Rhode Island native and without Rhode Island, I don’t believe I would be anywhere.”
Smith followed up with
“Being from Rhode Island makes me play with a chip on my shoulder due to the stereotype that Rhody boys can’t ball. But that’s far from the truth. I see myself as one of the advocates that fight against that stereotype.”
Rhode Island fans should expect the best version of Jaylen Smith yet, the kid can produce numbers.
“My speed on the field is what separated me from others. I can take the distance on any given play and that’s my intent, to make something happen whether it be a first down or a 95 touchdown. You can call my number for both.”
Jaylen Smith would have a message for the fans.
“Fan should expect URI to make history this year. My team and I have been working overtime all off-season to become a better us.”
Highlights/Awards:
CAA Football Rookie of the Week (11/15/2021)
Two career 100-yard rushing games
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