FAU football recruit recap: Rashad Smith

Part 17 of our weekly series highlighting each of the 19 players that signed with Florida Atlantic on National Signing Day.

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Rashad Smith will look to compete for a spot in the running back rotation, which includes sophomore Trey Rodriguez (22). Mohammed F Emran | Staff Photographer

Brendan Feeney, Sports Editor
April 4, 2016

Homestead High School senior linebacker Rashad Smith uses his speed to make an impact on the field.

Being able to move from sideline to sideline is the biggest reason he was able to record 102 tackles and eight sacks this past season, earning his team’s Most Valuable Player Award. He credits his success to two characteristics.

“Wanting to be the best and wanting it bad,” was the first reason, he said. The other was his history of running track.

“That helped big time,” he said. “If you watch my film from my sophomore year compared to my senior year, you can see progression and speed and knowing the game. And talent takes over.”

Smith almost didn’t come to FAU. He originally committed to Syracuse University in January. He ended up decommitting, and he signed with the Owls on National Signing Day.

“It was difficult making a decision you have to deal with for the next four years,” Smith said. “I feel I made the right choice … it feels like home.”

Last season FAU linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair was named a Freshman All-American. Smith said he’d “love to” pick the brain of Al-Shaair and follow in his footsteps of being an All-American.

The self-proclaimed laid back person hopes to make the National Football League, but he’s also thinking of taking a business route and developing his own brand.

As for his immediate future, he said he’s “just going to listen and learn.”

“I’m hoping [for] a winning record and going out there and playing hard every time.”

Brendan Feeney is the sports editor of the University Press. For information regarding this or other stories, email [email protected] or tweet him @feeney42.