North Alabama defensive lineman Shaquille Smith (JR, 6-2, 265, Jackson, MS).
Smith collects his first career laurel, spearheading the Lions’ defense in a 24-21 near-upset at Division I-FCS Jacksonville State. The junior logged six tackles led by five solo stops and racked up three tackles for a loss of 13 yards and one sack for an eight-yard loss. One of the Jackson, MS native’s tackles for loss came in JSU’s end zone, resulting in a two-point safety just 10 seconds into the second quarter. Smith did not stop there, blocking a Gamecocks’ field goal attempt at 2:45 in the opening frame.