Darrin Smith

Bio

Darrin Smith was a relentless and fearless linebacker whose key playmaking ability helped him anchor one of the most dominant defenses in college football history. A two-time First Team All-American, Smith was a principal contributor to two national championship teams (1989, 1991). The Hurricanes compiled an outstanding 44-4 record during his career, never finishing a season ranked lower than No. 3 nationally. Miami appeared in four consecutive bowl games, winning the 1990 Sugar, 1991 Cotton, and 1992 Orange bowls. Smith and fellow linebackers Micheal Barrow and Jessie Armstead earned the nickname "The Bermuda Triangle," stifling opposing offenses. Their work included a 22-0 shutout of Nebraska in the 1992 Orange Bowl to cap a perfect 12-0 season. The defense also led the nation by allowing an average of 8.3 points per game that contributed to the Canes' 29-game winning streak. A two-time First Team All-Big East pick, Smith was named the conference co-Defensive Player of the Year in 1991. In Miami's memorable 17-16 win over Florida State in Tallahassee, Smith had 18 tackles (ten solo), helping propel the Canes to the 1991 national title. Smith recorded 401 career tackles, including 10 sacks, 15 tackles for loss, and 24 pass breakups during his four years in Coral Gables. Excelling in the classroom, Smith graduated in 3.5 years, claiming a prestigious NFF National Scholar-Athlete Award as a senior. He was also a member of the Big East All-Academic Team and a Hitachi/CFA Scholar-Athlete. He is the founder of "Project 59," a youth foundation that assists children with reading comprehension and academic development, and he is active with Athletes in Action, which helps athletes grow in all dimensions of life.

Career Highlights

• 1992 All-Conference
• 1992 First Team All-America
• 1992 NFF Scholar Athlete
• 1991 All-Conference
• 1991 First Team All-America