Back to search

Billy Ray Smith

Defensive End

Inducted 2000

Date of Birth

8/10/1961

Birthplace

Fayetteville, AR

School

University of Arkansas (1979-1982)

Bio

Billy Ray Smith Jr. completed one of the greatest stories in the history of college football. His father, Billy Ray Smith Sr., lettered two years as a tackle at Arkansas and was all-Southwest Conference in 1956. Billy Ray Jr. lettered four years as a defensive end, and was a unanimous All-America in 1981 and 1982. Both father and son were named to the Arkansas All-Century team. Billy Ray Jr. was Arkansas captain in 1982. As a sophomore he was named Defensive MVP in the Hall of Fame Bowl against Tulane. Billy Ray Jr. set a school record with 63 tackles for loss in his career. He had 229 total tackles. He was on the dean's list and graduated with a degree in finance. He played ten years with San Diego in the NFL, 1983-92. He joined station KGTV, San Diego, as sports director. He was active in work for the Cerebral Palsy Foundation and other charities.