Smith Ready For Senior Season

AMES, Iowa ? In 2005, Jesse Smith chose to walk-on to the Iowa State football team. The Cyclones had finished the 2004 season with a record of 7-5 and an Independence Bowl Championship and Smith wanted to be a part of that program.

Smith now looks to continue his notable academic and athletic achievements while completing his career as a Cyclone.

After redshirting his freshman year (2005), the Altoona native has compiled 24 consecutive starts with 170 tackles in three years of competition for ISU. In 2008, he earned all-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors.

In addition to his success on the field, Smith has twice been a member of the Big 12 Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll.

“Being a Cyclone student-athlete is a lot of work,” Smith said. “But, the work pays off on Saturdays during the fall. It's an all-day affair, combining workouts, school, practice and study tables.”

He also participates in community service projects and understands the importance of being a good role model.

“While doing community service, I try to set an example that hard work and doing the right things can take you as far as you want to go,” Smith said. “I've had tremendous opportunities to visit various people in the community and try to make a difference in their lives; it's very rewarding.”

Smith had an impressive high school career at Southeast Polk High School. He was a three-year starter at linebacker and earned elite all-class all-state team honors from the The Des Moines Register as a senior. He also earned first-team Class 4-A all-state honors and was named the first-team all-state punter by The Des Moines Register as a prep junior.

Despite his accomplishments, Smith was not highly recruited out of high school. He knew, however, that he wanted to attend and play for the Cyclones.

“I chose ISU because it just felt like the right place for me,” Smith said. “It was closer to home.”

He still remembers how intimidating it was to walk-on at ISU.

“Being a freshman walk-on was really tough,” Smith said. “But, I think being a walk-on taught me to keep on working even if your rewards aren't coming as soon as you thought. I ended up earning a spot, and I have a deep understanding of what every walk-on goes through. I'm better for the experience.”

In 2006, Smith played a reserve role, making seven tackles, breaking up a pass and causing a fumble. His sophomore season (2007) he tied for third on the team in tackles, including a career-high 12 stops against Kent State. In the same season he also broke up three passes and forced two fumbles.

He finished the 2008 campaign as ISU's second-leading tackler, making 84 stops. A 41 yard fumble return at UNLV set up a Cyclone touchdown. The linebacker also set a new career-high 13 tackles at Colorado and had a team-high of six pass break-ups.

“Every time I step on that field I have a job to do,” Smith said. “I do my best to get that job done, whether it was my sophomore year on special teams or my junior season starting.”

Smith spoke about the rigors of being a student-athlete and the value of time management.

“Balancing marriage, school and football is not easy to say the least,” said Smith. “As I have grown older, I know what my priorities are: faith, family and being a student-athlete. After four years of being a student-athlete, managing time is like clockwork.”

After earning his bachelor's degree in health and human performance from Iowa State, Smith would like to teach physical education and coach football and wrestling in the Des Moines area.

He also gave advice to incoming and aspiring student-athletes.

“My advice is to make sure your priorities are in order,” Smith said. “Don't underestimate yourself.”

Players Mentioned

Jesse Smith

Jesse Smith

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