Cumberland University

Red, as he was affectionately known, was a standout center for the renowned Cumberland bulldog football teams of the early 1900's. Alongside W.W. Suddarth, Smith was pivotal in opening up and pushing back defenses for the 1903 team which beat Vanderbilt and tied with Clemson for the SIAA title.

Known for not just being a strong football player, Cumberland coach A.L. Phillips spoke highly of Smith saying he was the "only man he ever saw who has reduced football to a science."