Education
Smith attended Bowling Green State University, in Bowling Green, Ohio, and graduated from Northland High School in Columbus on June 9, 1974.
Smith attended Bowling Green State University, in Bowling Green, Ohio, and graduated from Northland High School in Columbus on June 9, 1974.
After serving in a backup role for 4 years, Smith replaced Rich Saul as the starting center in 1982. In that 1982 to 1991 span, the Rams made the playoffs 6 times: 1983 to 1986, 1988, and 1989. In the 1984-1985 NFL playoffs, Los Angeles lost in the divisional round again, this time to the New York Giants.
In the 1986-1987 NFL playoffs, the Rams lost a wild card game to the Redskins, as Smith, Harrah, and left guard Tom Newberry had a somewhat difficult time against their defensive line, rushing 41 times for 138 yards.
In the 1988-1989 NFL playoffs, the Rams lost a wild card game to the Minnesota Vikings. In the 1989-1990 NFL playoffs, the Rams defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in the wild card game and the Giants in the divisional round, but lost to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC championship game.
In the Philly game, Smith, with Newberry and Slaton at guards, Irv Pankey and Slater at tackles, helped Greg Bell rush for 124 yards in 23 carries. In the Giant game, the same offensive line (except for Duval Love replacing Slaton at right guard), led Bell to 87 yards rushing in 19 carries in their over-time victory.
In 1992, Smith was replaced by Bern Brostek.