Emmitt Smith

Bio

Emmitt Smith came to the University of Florida as the national high school player of the year, after scoring 109 career prep touchdowns. At Florida, he became an instant sensation as a freshman. In his first game, he broke the school single game rushing mark in an upset of Alabama. He gained 1,341 yards as a freshman and finished ninth in the Heisman voting. At the time, his top-ten finish was only the second time a freshman had broken the top ten. He also earned national freshman of the year honors that initial season. Smith was not the biggest or fastest of backs. But coaches marveled at the way his vision, balance, and instincts allowed him to gain the extra yard or two more often than would reasonably be expected. In his 1989 junior season, he finished third in the nation in rushing, was a near-unanimous All-America selection and placed seventh in the Heisman vote. In three years, he set 58 school records rushing for 3,928 yards, scoring 36 touchdowns, and earning SEC Player of the Year honors. He then entered the NFL Draft and was the first round pick of the Dallas Cowboys. After 15 pro seasons, he was the game's all-time leading rusher scoring 164 touchdowns and was a member of three NFL title teams. Despite leaving Florida after his junior year, Smith went back to school while with the Cowboys and earned his degree. In retirement, he devoted much of his time to a number of charitable causes.

Career Highlights

• 1989 All-Conference
• 1989 Conference MVP
• 1989 Heisman - Seventh
• 1989 Unanimous All-America
• 1988 All-Conference
• 1987 All-Conference
• 1987 Heisman - Ninth