John Smith (running back)
| Position: | Running back | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal information | |||
| Date of birth: | September 1, 1954 | ||
| Place of birth: | Sacramento, California | ||
| Height: | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | ||
| Weight: | 191 lb (87 kg) | ||
| Career information | |||
| College: | Boise State | ||
| NFL Draft: | 1976 / Round: 3 / Pick: 75 | ||
| Career history | |||
| * Offseason and/or practice squad member only | |||
| Career highlights and awards | |||
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| Career NFL statistics | |||
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John Smith (born September 1, 1954) is a former American football running back in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at the Boise State University.
Early years
Smith attended Boise State University, where he was nicknamed "Super Needle" and became a three-year starter. As a sophomore he had 87 carries for 572 yards (6.57 average) and 5 touchdowns. The next year he had 87 carries for 510 yards (6.4 average) and 7 touchdowns.
In 1975, he produced 514 rushing yards on 87 carries (5.9 average) with 6 rushing touchdowns and 45 receptions for 854 yards (18.9 average) and 11 receiving touchdowns.[1] He received All-Big Sky and Kodak All-American honors at the end of the year.[2]
In his career he recorded 260 carries for 1,623 yards (a school record 6.24 yards per carry), 18 rushing touchdowns, 87 receptions for 1,527 yards (a school record 17.5 yards per reception), 23 receiving touchdowns and 3,549 yards of all-purpose yards.
In 1985, he was inducted into the Boise State University Hall of Fame, as arguably the best all-purpose running back in school history.
Professional career
Dallas Cowboys
Smith was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round (75th overall) of the 1976 NFL Draft.[3] After a slow start in training camp, he seemed to be coming on with a 42 yard run and a touchdown score against the Detroit Lions in pre-season, but suffered a broken foot in practice and was placed on the injured reserve list.[4] He was waived before the start of the 1977 season.[5]
Kansas City Chiefs
In 1978, he signed with the Kansas City Chiefs but was released on August 15.[6]
Washington Redskins
In 1979, he signed with the Washington Redskins and was waived on August 6.[7]
References
- ↑ "Boise State's All-Time Numbers Team #21-40". Scout.com. 2010-01-12. Retrieved 2013-11-18.
- ↑ "Chadband Comstock on Big Sky". Spokesman-Review. 1975-11-26. Retrieved 2013-11-18.
- ↑ "Cowboys Sign Pair". Observer-Reporter. 1976-05-05. Retrieved 2013-11-19.
- ↑ "Cowboys' Smith Out With Break". Schenectady Gazette. 1976-08-26. Retrieved 2013-11-19.
- ↑ "Transactions". The Free Lance-Star. 1977-09-01. Retrieved 2013-11-19.
- ↑ "Mitchell, Kadish On List". Observer-Reporter. 1978-08-16. Retrieved 2013-11-19.
- ↑ "Redskins Cut Winfrey". The Palm Beach Post. 1979-08-07. Retrieved 2013-11-19.