Focus Feature: Chad Smith

FOCUS FEATURE: BearsIllustrated.com spotlights Baylor Bears junior offensive guard Chad Smith.

Generally, it is hard not to notice a 6'6" 300 pound man. But in the game of football, the guys in the trenches often are overlooked. Chad Smith, one of Baylor's starting offensive lineman, has worked hard to get to where he is. Smith is now the subject of BearsIllustrated.com's focus feature.

Although Chad Smith was born in Minnesota, he made a name for himself on the football field in Texas. More specifically, Smith was a two-sport star at Allen High School in Allen, Texas earning letters in both track and football.

The 6'6" offensive lineman wasn't always interested in football. Smith's attention was mainly focused more towards baseball and basketball until 7th grade when Chad told his father he wanted to tryout for the middle school team. Not only did Chad excel, but he also loved the game and he has not looked back since.

Smith comes from a family that is not unfamiliar to college athletics. Chad's older brother, Nick Smith, played along the offensive line at Washburn University and is currently attending law school. Additionally, Chad's father played college football and signed as a free agent with the Minnesota Vikings after his collegiate career was over. But perhaps Chad Smith's biggest fan is Seena, his 14 year old sister. Seena can often be found watching film of opposing teams and informs her older brother exactly what to look for on the defensive line of opposing teams.



With the change in offensive schemes this year, and the implementation of the spread offense, Chad Smith has performed well. Smith, a starter on the offensive line, has had to fight off injuries earlier in his career to get to where he is today. Smith broke his foot during both his junior and senior years in high school. Furthermore, Smith severely injured his ankle during his true sophomore year, a season in which he was granted a medical redshirt.

With three games remaining left on the schedule, the Baylor Bears need two wins to make them bowl eligible. There is no doubt that Chad Smith will be doing what he has done since the 7th grade; leaving everything he has on the field for his team.