Education
Smith attended Stephenson High School in Stone Mountain, Georgia. He chose to attend Mississippi State Bulldogs over offers from Kentucky, Syracuse, and West Virginia, among others
Smith attended Stephenson High School in Stone Mountain, Georgia. He chose to attend Mississippi State Bulldogs over offers from Kentucky, Syracuse, and West Virginia, among others
He played college football at Mississippi State University. He was rated as a two-star recruit by 247sports.com, and Scout.com., and a three-star recruit by Rivals.com. In 2012, Smith appeared in all 13 games and led the Bulldogs with 4.5 sacks.
As a junior in 2013, Smith recorded 2.5 sacks, including 2.0 in a 59-26 loss to Louisiana State University. Smith started the 2014 season with a bang, winning the Securities and Exchange Commission Defensive Lineman of the Week Award in each of the first three weeks.
Smith ended the season with 42 tackles, nine sacks, two interceptions and a touchdown. At the end of his senior season, Smith was projected as a fourth-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft by Columbia Broadcasting System and NFL Draft Scout.
Smith was chosen with the 38th pick overall in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins. On May 11, 2015, he signed a four-year contract worth roughly $4.1 million.
Smith finished the season with eight sacks, which led all rookies.