Rod Smith, a native of Milan, Tenn., joined the Mississippi College football staff in the summer of 2013.
Smith comes to Clinton from the University of Memphis, where he served five years as a member of the coaching staff. Â His coaching stint took place after a stellar career for the Tigers.
He lettered from 2004-06 and was a standout for the Tigers defense, before having his playing career cut short following a severe neck injury in the 2006 Arkansas State game. Â In that contest, Smith fractured his C5 vertebrae and required surgery. Â Smith, though, returned to the sidelines just four days after surgery to support his teammates. Â He continued to join his team at practices and workouts the remainder of the 2007 season.
For his career, Smith played in 28 games and made 13 starts. Â He completed his career with 89 total tackles, including 56 solo stops and 33 assisted tackles. Â He also added five pass breakups and two interceptions.
A native of Milan, Tenn., Smith was presented the Top Tiger Award in 2007 and was awarded the True Tiger Award at the 2006 Blue-Gray Game. Â In the spring of 2005, he received the Chris Faros Most Improved Award.
Smith graduated from Memphis in August of 2008 with a degree in sport and leisure management.
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