Will Smith defensive end for the New Orleans Saints made huge impact for the vastly improved Saints defensive team last season. He is approaching this season with same attitude and willingness to lead the Saints to another Championship.
Smith out of Ohio State University was selected as the 18th pick in the first round five years ago in the 2004 NFL Draft.
In college he led the Buckeyes to 14-0 season and a national championship in 2002 as a All-Big 10 defensive end. Smith had 46.5 career TFL's at OSU, and had 23 career sacks. He had 10.5 as a senior in 2003, 5.5 as a junior in 2002, 4 as a sophomore in 2001, and 3 as a freshman in 2000. Three-year starter at right defensive end for Ohio State, finishing with career totals of 167 tackles (111 solo), 21 sacks, five forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and an interception. He started 37 of 51 games in his career. His sack total ranked fifth in school history upon his departure. Smith was All-Big 10 Conference and the conference’s Defensive Player of the Year and Defensive Lineman of the Year as senior, posting 49 tackles (30 solo), 10.5 sacks and 20 stops for a loss. Finalist for Hendricks Award, given to nation’s top end. All-Big 10 second-team as junior, appearing in every game despite suffering a knee sprain at midseason. Recorded 5.5 sacks, a forced fumble, an interception and a fumble recovery that season He was named Outstanding First-Year Defensive Player as freshman with three sacks.
As he began his NFL career as a rookie with the Saints he was successful. Smith recorded Turned in a strong rookie year with 59 tackles (41 solo), 7.5 sacks, a team-high six forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. In 2005 he had 48 tackles and 8.5 sacks and played well enough that the Saints did not re-sign Darren Howard thus making Smith the starter opposite Charles Grant for the 2006 season.
Smith established himself as a starter in his first season. He became a leader of the defensive line and emerged as one of the premier NFL’s top defensive ends. He was voted to the Pro Bowl and finished tied for 14th in the NFL with a career-best 10.5 sacks.
The club’s No. 1 pick in 2004 has been a force since his arrival in New Orleans, notching 33.5 sacks in four seasons. Smith continues to bring energy, toughness and a hard-nosed approach to each game, setting the tone for the entire defensive front, and he’s equally strong against the run. In his brief career, he has played in 62 games and posted 215 tackles (156 solo) and 13 forced fumbles. In 2006 he was named to his first Pro Bowl as a starter for the NFC. In 2008 Smith recorded a team high 7 sacks, 66 tackles and a Safety. Last season under new Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams, Smith had a very solid year. After 15 games, he has 13.0 sacks, 49 tackles, 3 forced fumbles and one interception and was honorable mention All-Pro by AP.
The Saints agreed to terms with Smith on a six-year, $70 million contract with $26 million guaranteed. The deal makes him the 3rd highest paid defensive end in the NFL.
Smith will play a vital role in the Saints defensive attack this upcoming season as the team is on they’re way to repeat as Super Bowl Champs.
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