Ryan Smith (cornerback, born 1993)

Ryan Smith was born in Augsburg, Germany on September 7, 1993, to parents Damon and Traci Richardson, and raised in Clinton, Maryland, where he spent the majority of his childhood. He moved to Upper Marlboro, Maryland in his high school years, where he attended Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School. His younger brother Tre Smith played defense at NCCU with him. In high school, Smith was a dual athlete playing football and basketball. He decided that football was the more logical sport to pursue in order to help his family pay for his college tuition. In a press conference shortly after he was drafted, Smith stated that if his plans of playing in the NFL hadn't come true, he would have joined the United States Marshals Service.

Smith attended North Carolina Central University (NCCU) from 2012 to 2015, playing in 45 games and starting 42. He set multiple team records for solo tackles (168) and kickoff return yard average (28.1). Among NCCU career leaders, Smith finished sixth in tackles (263) and tied for 11th in passes defended with 31 (7 interceptions, 24 pass break-ups).

In his freshman season, he was redshirted and played in all 11 games, starting 8 of them. Smith ended his freshman season as NCCU's second-leading tackler with 65 total takedowns, second in interceptions (3) and third with eight passes defended (3 interceptions, 5 pass break-ups). Smith was selected to the College Sports Journal Football Championship Subdivision Freshman All-America team.

Smith started all 12 games in his redshirt sophomore season. He ranked second on the Eagles and 19th in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) with 88 total tackles (51 solo). He was also ranked number one on the team and fourth in the MEAC with 3 fumble recoveries.

In his redshirt junior campaign, he started all 12 games, making the switch from safety to cornerback in his redshirt junior season. Smith tallied 58 total tackles and 44 solo tackles, which was second-best on the team. He was voted to the Preseason All-MEAC Third Team.

As a redshirt senior, Smith started in 10 of 11 games as a cornerback, only missing the game against the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats. He ended the year ranking third in the MEAC with a team-best 11 passes defended (2 interceptions and 9 pass break-ups), and a total of 52 tackles (ranking second on the team with 38 solo tackles). Smith led the conference and ranked 10th in the nation with an average of 28.1 yards per kickoff return (14 for 394 yards, 1 touchdown).{{Cite web |title=North Carolina Central University |url=http://nccueaglepride.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4697 |access-date=April 30, 2016 |website=nccueaglepride.com}}

{{external media

| video1 =

[http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-combine/0ap3000000645270/2016-Combine-workout-Ryan-Smith Ryan Smith's NFL Combine Workout]

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{{NFL predraft

| height ft = 5

| height in = 11

| weight = 189

| dash = 4.47

| ten split = 1.59

| twenty split = 2.64

| shuttle = 4.09

| cone drill = 6.88

| vertical = 36

| broad ft = 10

| broad in = 2

| bench = 18

| wonderlic =

| arm span = 30 1/2

| hand span = 8 7/8

| note = All values from NFL Combine{{Cite web |title=NFL Draft Profile: Ryan Smith |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216144017/https://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/ryan-smith?id=2555552 |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=NFL.com}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.nfl.com/prospects/ryan-smith/3200534d-4969-7570-1b00-ffa65b496420 |title=Ryan Smith Draft and Combine Prospect Profile |website=NFL.com |access-date=April 14, 2025}}{{Cite web |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=128896&DraftYear=2016 |title=Ryan Smith College Football Profile |website=DraftScout.com |access-date=April 14, 2025}}

}}

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Smith in the fourth round with the 108th overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft.{{Cite web |title=2016 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2016/draft.htm |access-date=March 16, 2021 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Smith was the 18th cornerback drafted in 2016.{{Cite web |title=Bucs draft CB Ryan Smith in fourth round |url=http://www.tbo.com/sports/bucs/bucs-draft-cb-ryan-smith-in-fourth-round-20160430/1/ |access-date=April 30, 2016 |website=TBO.com |archive-date=May 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160504184240/http://www.tbo.com/sports/bucs/bucs-draft-cb-ryan-smith-in-fourth-round-20160430/1/ |url-status=dead }} On May 5, 2016, the Buccaneers signed Smith to a four-year, $2.93 million contract with a signing bonus of $592,161.{{Cite web |title=Smith, Benenoch Quickly Land Deals |url=http://www.buccaneers.com/news/article-1/Smith-Benenoch-Quickly-Land-Deals/50aca899-2f32-4c5d-9db8-423d1df565b4 |access-date=May 9, 2016 |website=www.buccaneers.com |archive-date=May 8, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508045602/http://www.buccaneers.com/news/article-1/Smith-Benenoch-Quickly-Land-Deals/50aca899-2f32-4c5d-9db8-423d1df565b4 |url-status=dead }}

{{external media

| video1 =

[https://www.buccaneers.com/video/dick-vitale-announces-buccaneers-pick-no-108-17096353 Buccaneers draft Ryan Smith 106th overall]

}}

The team immediately converted Smith to safety.{{Cite web |title=Meet new Bucs Ryan Smith, Caleb Benenoch |url=http://www.tbo.com/sports/bucs/bucs-draft-cb-ryan-smith-in-fourth-round-20160430/ |access-date=July 20, 2016 |website=www.tbo.com |archive-date=July 11, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160711051625/http://www.tbo.com/sports/bucs/bucs-draft-cb-ryan-smith-in-fourth-round-20160430/ |url-status=dead }} Throughout training camp, Smith competed for backup safety against Isaiah Johnson, Kimario McFadden, and Elijah Shumate.{{Cite web |date=June 24, 2016 |title=Pre-Camp Roster Breakdown: Defense/ST |url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/pre-camp-roster-breakdown-defense-st-17288641 |access-date=December 31, 2018 |website=Buccaneers.com}} Head coach Dirk Koetter named Smith the backup free safety behind Bradley McDougald to begin the regular season.{{Cite web |date=September 6, 2016 |title=Buccaneers'2016 depth chart: Vernon Hargreaves shares starting job |url=https://www.bucsnation.com/2016/9/6/12814072/buccaneers-2016-depth-chart-vernon-hargreaves-shares-starting-job |access-date=December 31, 2018 |website=bucsnation.com}} On September 25, Smith made his professional regular season debut as the Buccaneers lost 37–32 against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 3. In Week 9, he recorded his only tackle of the season during a 43–28 loss against the Atlanta Falcons. He finished his rookie season in 2016 recording one tackle in 14 games with zero starts.{{Cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Ryan Smith (career) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/ryansmith/2555552/careerstats |access-date=December 31, 2018 |website=NFL.com}}

Following the 2016 season, the Buccaneers announced that Smith would be moved back to cornerback.{{Cite web |title=Rookie Standouts Add to Young Core |url=http://www.buccaneers.com/news/article-smith/Rookie-Standouts-Add-to-Young-Core/d5f2c84b-dfa5-49b1-801c-383af4e257d2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170104154900/http://www.buccaneers.com/news/article-smith/Rookie-Standouts-Add-to-Young-Core/d5f2c84b-dfa5-49b1-801c-383af4e257d2 |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 4, 2017 |access-date=January 28, 2017 |website=www.buccaneers.com }} During training camp, Smith competed to be the third cornerback on the depth chart against Javien Elliott, Jude Adjei-Barimah, Robert McClain, and Josh Robinson.{{Cite web |last=Laine |first=Jenna |date=June 6, 2017 |title=Bucs CB Ryan Smith happy to be back playing 'natural position' |url=http://www.espn.com/blog/tampa-bay-buccaneers/post/_/id/17226/bucs-cb-ryan-smith-happy-to-be-back-playing-natural-position |access-date=December 31, 2018 |website=ESPN.com}} HC Koetter named Smith to the roster spot to begin the regular season, behind Brent Grimes and Vernon Hargreaves.{{Cite web |title=Ourlads.com: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Depth Chart: 10/01/2017 |url=https://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/200/TB |access-date=December 31, 2018 |website=Ourlads.com}}

On September 24, 2017, Smith earned his first career start in place of Grimes who was sidelined due to a shoulder injury.{{Cite web |last=Laine |first=Jenna |date=December 11, 2017 |title=Bucs' Brent Grimes waiting until after season to make a decision about future |url=http://www.espn.com/blog/tampa-bay-buccaneers/post/_/id/19629/bucs-brent-grimes-waiting-until-seasons-end-before-making-a-decision-about-future |access-date=January 1, 2019 |website=ESPN.com}} In the Buccaneers' 34–17 loss at the Minnesota Vikings, Smith finished with three solo tackles and one pass deflection. He started another two games in place of Grimes (Weeks 8–9) after the latter re-injured his shoulder. In Week 9, he collected a season-high nine combined tackles during a 30–10 loss at the New Orleans Saints. In Week 10, Grimes became a starting cornerback for the remainder of the season (as announced weeks later on December 20) after Hargreaves was placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury; this move kept Smith as a starting cornerback.{{Cite web |last=Auman |first=Greg |date=December 20, 2017 |title=Bucs' Hargreaves to rest, move on from 'struggle' of 2017 |url=https://www.tampabay.com/blogs/bucs/2017/12/20/bucs-hargreaves-to-rest-move-on-from-struggle-of-2017/ |access-date=January 1, 2019 |website=TampaBay.com}} On November 26, Smith made a season-high eight solo tackles during a 34–20 loss at the Falcons in Week 12.{{Cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Ryan Smith (2017) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/ryansmith/2555552/gamelogs?season=2017 |access-date=January 1, 2019 |website=NFL.com}} Smith was inactive for the Buccaneers' Week 16 loss at the Carolina Panthers due to an ankle injury, but returned for the season finale the following week.{{Cite web |last=Auman |first=Greg |date=December 22, 2017 |title=Ryan Smith injury could leave Bucs even thinner at corner |url=https://www.tampabay.com/blogs/bucs/2017/12/22/ryan-smith-injury-could-leave-bucs-even-thinner-at-corner/ |access-date=January 1, 2019 |website=TampaBay.com}} He finished the 2017 NFL season with 62 combined tackles (51 solo), 5 pass deflections, and two forced fumbles in 15 games with 10 starts.

Smith made the effort to retain his role as a starting cornerback during training camp, but saw heavy competition from Hargreaves, as well as the Buccaneers' second round selections in the 2018 NFL draft, M. J. Stewart and Carlton Davis.{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Scott |date=June 19, 2018 |title=2018 Bucs Roster Reset: Defensive Backs |url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/2018-bucs-roster-reset-defensive-backs-20733454 |access-date=January 1, 2018 |website=Buccaneers.com}} Koetter named Smith the fourth cornerback on the depth chart to start the regular season, behind Grimes, Hargreaves, and Davis.{{Cite web |title=Ourlads.com: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Depth Chart: 10/01/2017 |url=https://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/212/TB |access-date=January 1, 2019 |website=Ourlads.com}}

In Week 2, Smith collected a season-high nine combined tackles and made two pass deflections during a 27–21 victory against the Philadelphia Eagles. On November 25, 2018, Smith broke up a pass attempt and made his first career interception as the Buccaneers defeated the San Francisco 49ers 27–9 in Week 12; Smith intercepted a pass from quarterback Nick Mullens intended for wide receiver Dante Pettis during the fourth quarter.{{Cite web |title=San Francisco 49ers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – November 25th, 2018 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201811250tam.htm |access-date=January 1, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference}} Smith finished the season with 38 combined tackles (31 solo), 5 pass deflections, and 1 interception in 16 games with six starts.

On July 10, 2019, it was announced Smith had been suspended for the first four games of the 2019 season for violating the NFL performance-enhancing substances policy.{{Cite web |last=Gordon |first=Grant |date=July 10, 2019 |title=Buccaneers CB Ryan Smith suspended 4 games |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/buccaneers-cb-ryan-smith-suspended-4-games-0ap3000001035481 |access-date=March 16, 2021 |website=NFL.com}} He was reinstated from suspension on September 30, and activated prior to Week 5.

On March 30, 2020, Smith was re-signed by the Buccaneers.{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Scott |date=March 28, 2020 |title=Ryan Smith Re-Signs with Bucs |url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/ryan-smith-re-signs-bucs-free-agency-roster-move |access-date=March 16, 2021 |website=Buccaneers.com}} Smith played in all three games in the Buccaneers' playoff run, as well as Super Bowl LV which they won.{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=February 7, 2017 |title=What we learned from Buccaneers win over Chiefs in Super Bowl LV |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/what-we-learned-from-buccaneers-win-over-chiefs-in-super-bowl-lv |access-date=March 16, 2021 |website=NFL.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl LV – Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Kansas City Chiefs – February 7th, 2021 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202102070tam.htm |access-date=March 16, 2021 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Ryan Smith 2020 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SmitRy00/gamelog/2020/ |access-date=March 16, 2021 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

On March 30, 2021, Smith signed with the Los Angeles Chargers.{{Cite web |date=March 30, 2021 |title=Los Angeles Chargers Sign Cornerback Ryan Smith |url=https://www.chargers.com/news/ryan-smith-signs-with-chargers |website=Chargers.com}} He was placed on injured reserve on September 6. He was activated on October 9.{{cite web|title=Los Angeles Chargers Activate Cornerback Ryan Smith|url=https://www.chargers.com/news/chargers-activate-ryan-smith|website=Chargers.com|date=October 9, 2021}} He suffered a torn ACL in Week 9 and was placed on injured reserve on November 13, where he remained the rest of the season.{{cite web|title=Los Angeles Chargers Activate Linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr.; Place Cornerback Ryan Smith on Injured Reserve|url=https://www.chargers.com/news/chargers-activate-murray-ir-smith|website=Chargers.com|date=November 13, 2021}}

On September 27, 2022, Smith was signed to the practice squad of the Indianapolis Colts.{{cite web|title=Colts Sign CB Ryan Smith To Practice Squad; Release LB Forrest Rhyne From Practice Squadu|url=https://www.colts.com/news/colts-sign-cb-ryan-smith-to-practice-squad-release-lb-forrest-rhyne-from-practic|website=Colts.com|date=September 27, 2022}} He was released on October 25.{{cite web|title=Colts Sign P Nolan Cooney To Practice Squad, Release CB Ryan Smith From Practice Squad|url=https://www.colts.com/news/nolan-cooney-practice-squad-punter-signed-matt-haack-roster-moves|website=Colts.com|date=October 25, 2022}}

On October 31, 2022, Smith was signed to the Buccaneers' practice squad.{{cite web|title=Bucs Bring Back Tyler Johnson, Ryan Smith|url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/bucs-sign-tyler-johnson-ryan-smith-practice-squad-2022-roster-moves|author=Smith, Scott|website=Buccaneers.com|date=October 31, 2022}} He was released on December 6.{{cite web|title=Bucs Waive Jaelon Darden|url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/bucs-waive-wide-receiver-jaelon-darden-roster-moves|author=Smith, Scott|website=Buccaneers.com|date=December 6, 2022}}

Smith is a Christian.{{Cite web |date=April 15, 2023 |title=Ryan Smith Knows God is With Us Through it All |url=https://faithonthefieldshow.com/ryan-smith-knows-god-is-with-us-through-it-all/ |access-date=May 10, 2023 |website=Faith On The Field}} Smith is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.{{Cite web |last=Edmunds |first=Ashton |date=December 31, 2020 |title=Buccaneers' Ryan Smith got his chance in the NFL, but he was prepared if he didn't |url=https://andscape.com/features/buccaneers-ryan-smith-got-his-chance-in-the-nfl-but-he-was-prepared-if-he-didnt/ |access-date=March 16, 2021 |website=Andscape |language=en-US}}

{{commons}}

• [http://www.nfl.com/draft/2016/profiles/ryan-smith?id=2555552 NFL Scouting Combine profile]
• [http://nccueaglepride.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4697 NCCU Eagles bio]

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Category:1993 births

Category:Living people

Category:American football cornerbacks

Category:American football safeties

Category:German players of American football

Category:Indianapolis Colts players

Category:Los Angeles Chargers players

Category:North Carolina Central Eagles football players

Category:People from Clinton, Maryland

Category:Players of American football from Upper Marlboro, Maryland

Category:Tampa Bay Buccaneers players