« Football 2010

Derrell Smith

School
Syracuse University
Position
Linebacker
Major
Advertising

Classroom

Derrell Smith graduated with a 3.29 GPA and a dual undergraduate in marketing and information management and technology. He’s now pursuing a master’s degree in advertising. Smith has earned Athletic Director’s Honor Roll recognition in seven consecutive semesters as well as Big East All-Academic team honors the last three years.

Character

Smith is a member of several organizations, including the Student-Athlete Advisory Council and the Keeper of Peace in the Omega Psi Phi fraternity. In 2008 he worked construction to help build part of the S.I. Newhouse School for Public Communications building. On the field, Smith moved from running back to linebacker in 2007 to fill a position need for the team. Coach Doug Marrone selected him to represent the team at the 2010 Big East media days.

Community

Smith volunteers for several causes, including at Elmcrest School, where he works with teenagers who have been removed from their home for a variety of reasons. He’s also volunteered with the Salvation Army, Crouse Hospital, Rescue Mission and a clothing drive. In addition, he’s served as a mentor for incarcerated teens at the Syracuse Justice Center as well as a mentor/weight lifting coach for high school students.

Competition

Smith was named second-team All-Big East after a season in which he led the conference and set a school record with four forced fumbles. He also ranked fifth in the Big East with 8.1 tackles per game and sixth with 0.65 sacks per game. For his career, Smith has 156 career tackles, 15.5 career tackles for loss and 7.5 career interceptions.