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University of Minnesota Athletics
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NFL Recap: Rodney Smith
1/13/2021 6:16:00 PM | Football
Former Gopher great was a rookie with the Carolina Panthers
Rodney Smith is used to making the most of his opportunities. His first season with the Carolina Panthers was no different, even if it didn't start exactly as planned.
Smith, who ended his collegiate career as Minnesota's all-purpose yards leader (5,441) and second in career rushing yards (4,122), signed with the Panthers after going undrafted in 2020. He was cut from the team a few days into training camp, but he didn't give up on his dream of playing in the NFL.
Dec. 3, 2020: Smith joins the Golden Gopher Podcast
Smith would participate few more workouts with the Panthers before being singed to the practice squad in October. He was promoted to the active roster in November and played in the final seven games of the season.
He logged 41 carries on the year and totaled 156 rushing yards and one touchdown, which came in the final game of the season against New Orleans. He also caught nine passes for 59 yards during his rookie campaign.
Smith, who ended his collegiate career as Minnesota's all-purpose yards leader (5,441) and second in career rushing yards (4,122), signed with the Panthers after going undrafted in 2020. He was cut from the team a few days into training camp, but he didn't give up on his dream of playing in the NFL.
Dec. 3, 2020: Smith joins the Golden Gopher Podcast
Smith would participate few more workouts with the Panthers before being singed to the practice squad in October. He was promoted to the active roster in November and played in the final seven games of the season.
He logged 41 carries on the year and totaled 156 rushing yards and one touchdown, which came in the final game of the season against New Orleans. He also caught nine passes for 59 yards during his rookie campaign.
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