College Career
He attended Michigan State University but transferred to the University of Southern California after his sophomore year, where he became a standout defensive tackle and a member of the original "Wild Bunch".
He teamed in the defensive line with Al Cowlings, Jimmy Gunn, Willard "Bubba" Scott, and Charlie Weaver to form in 1969 "The Wild Bunch," which was key for USC to compile a 10-0-1 record and a No. 3 ranking after a victory over Michigan University in the 1970 Rose Bowl.
The Wild Bunch was a hit movie in 1969 and it was Cowlings who dubbed the defensive line 'The Wild Bunch' for their reckless abandon and hard-nosed style of play. Playing in an era of powerful running games, they allowed just 2.3 yards per carry and a league-low 95.6 rushing yards a game.
He was one of the five USC African American starters (along with Sam Cunningham, Jimmy Jones, Clarence Davis and Charlie Weaver), that played against an all-white University of Alabama football team, winning 42-21 in Birmingham on September 12, 1970. This game was historically significant, because it was a factor in convincing the University of Alabama and its fan base to accelerate the integration of its football team.
Smith played two seasons (1969–70) for the Trojans. In 1969 he was honorable Mention All PAC-8 and in 1970 he was a Second Team All-American, even though he played only four games as a senior because of an ankle injury.
There is a statue of him and the other four at USC's Heritage Hall. He also appeared in the famed gunslinger photo of the five of them.
Read more about this topic: Tody Smith
Famous quotes related to college career:
“In looking back over the college careers of those who for various reasons have been prominent in undergraduate life ... one cannot help noticing that these men have nearly always shown from the start an interest in the lives of their fellow students. A large acquaintance means that many persons are dependent on a man and conversely that he himself is dependent on many. Success necessarily means larger responsibilities, and responsibilities mean many friends.”
—Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882–1945)