Eric Smith life and biography

Eric Smith is an American football safety for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Jets in the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan State.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

■ Made four starts in 2007, recording career highs with 36 tackles (23 solos) and 19 special teams tackles.

■ Played in 15 games plus the postseason game at S and on ST in 2006, recording two interceptions.

■ Had 11 ST tackles as NFL rookie, tied for third on Jets.

SEASON BY SEASON

2007 (JETS) Named Jets special teams player of the week following Week 13 victory at MIA. ... Made first start of NFL career, recording team-leading and career-high 12 tackles and one pass defensed in Week 5 at NYG. ... Recovered onsides kick to secure Jets' first win of season by 31-28 in Week 3 vs. MIA.

2006 (JETS) Named Jets' special teams player of the week for Week 17 win vs. OAK after partially blocking a Shane Lechler punt, and also picked off Aaron Brooks for his second INT. … Recorded career-high five tackles on defense and two tackles on ST in Week 12 win vs. HOU. ... Picked off Charlie Frye pass in Week 8 at CLE for first career INT.

CAREER TRANSACTIONS

■ Selected by Jets in third round (97th overall) of 2006 NFL Draft with the highest compensatory pick in team history.

BEFORE THE NFL

■ Posted triple-digit tackles in last two seasons at Michigan State, with 115 stops in 2004 and team-high 101 in 2005.

■ Four-year letterman who made 36 career starts and registered 323 tackles, including double figures in tackles 13, including 10.5 tackles for loss and four sacks, plus four INTs.

■ Earned Academic All-Big Ten selection in 2004.

■ All-state second-team and all-district selection as senior at Groveport Madison HS in Ohio after he made 55 tackles and intercepted seven passes to earn all-conference first-team honors in 2000.

■ Started his last six schoolboy games at QB plus saw action at WR and RB, pulling in 16 receptions for 400 yards and four TD.

■ Received Ernie Godfrey Award, presented to top HS scholar-athlete in greater Columbus area, in addition to being selected conference scholar-athlete of the year.

■ Qualified for track and field regional competition in pole vault, high jump and long jump.

■ Sported 3.95 GPA in high school.

OFF THE FIELD

■ Helped make improvements to entrance of Roy Wilkins Park in Flushing, Queens, as part of United Way Hometown Huddle 10/10/06.

■ Handed out gift cards at Dick’s Sporting Goods to Brooklyn seventh- and eighth-graders during holiday season.

■ Visited schools to educate kids as part of the Eat Right, Move More program.

■ Graduated with degree in criminal justice.

■ Enjoys bowling and golfing and playing Monopoly.

■ Born in Columbus, OH.

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