Riley Smith

Bio

A native of Greenwood, Mississippi, Riley Smith was Alabama's quarterback, with a reputation for being a threat in numerous ways. The 6-1, 195-pounder could pass, block, punt, kick extra points and boot field goals. Known as "General" Smith was on Frank Thomas's Crimson Tide team that humbled Stanford, 29-13, in the January 1, 1935 Rose Bowl. In 1935, he was named a consensus All-America. He also won the Jacobs Trophy as the best blocker in the Southeastern Conference. He played in the East-West Shrine Game, the Chicago All-Star Game and the New York All-Star Game and was captain of his team in each one. In 1936, he played four football games in ten days, two with all-star college teams and two with his pro team, the Boston Redskins. He was the second player chosen in the first pro draft (after Jay Berwanger). In 1936-37 he missed only three minutes in 26 Redskin games. An injury ended his playing career, and he moved to Washington and Lee, as assistant coach in 1939 and head coach 1940-42. He served in the Navy as Lieutenant commander 1942-45 and became a real estate developer in Mobile Alabama.

Career Highlights

• 1935 All-Conference
• 1935 Consensus All-America