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University of Minnesota Athletics
Player Profile: Rodney Smith
8/15/2016 12:00:00 AM | Football
Receiver KJ Maye wore No. 1 last season for the Gophers and set a program record for receptions by a senior with 73. Maye is now with the New York Giants, but Gopher fans can still expect to see No. 1 making big plays for the offense this year.
That's because running back Rodney Smith (wore No. 24 last season) will be willing the singular number, which he also wore in high school.
Maye underwent a position and a number change in high school, but that's not the situation for Smith. The only thing changing for the elusive back is his number.
Smith redshirted in 2014, as David Cobb set a single-season rushing record, but then broke onto the scene last year as a freshman. The Jonesboro, Ga., native played in 12 games and started seven and rushed 157 times for 670 yards and two touchdowns. His 670 yards were the sixth most ever for a Gopher freshman.
Smith proved his worth in the passing game as well. Not only is he a capable blocker, but the 205-pounder also caught 16 passes for 124 yards.
Smith, who was hampered late last season with an injury, was at his best when the lights were the brightest. He made his collegiate debut in the season-opener against No. 2 TCU and carried the ball 16 times for 88 yards and one touchdown. Smith did not have a negative rush against TCU as he averaged 5.5 yards per carry.
He carried the ball 12 times for 74 yards (6.2 average) against Michigan's No. 1-ranked defense that entered the game allowing only 64.7 yards on the ground. His second career touchdown came against rival Wisconsin and in Minnesota's bowl game win against Central Michigan, he rushed 15 times for 74 yards and caught one pass for five yards.
