Table of Contents
Introduction
Sutton Smith is a name that resonates with college football fans and sports analysts who appreciate tenacity, versatility, and underdog grit. Best known for his electrifying performances at Northern Illinois University, where he led the nation in sacks and tackles for loss, Sutton Smith stats became a benchmark for defensive excellence in the Mid-American Conference.
Despite his impressive numbers and back-to-back MAC Defensive Player of the Year titles, his transition to the NFL presented new challenges that tested his adaptability and resilience. From being drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers to shifting between linebacker and fullback roles in various NFL camps, Sutton Smith’s journey is anything but ordinary.
This article explores his age, height, education, career milestones, and personal life, including the legacy of his late wife Shirley L. Hicks and their children—offering a comprehensive look at both the player and the man behind the Sutton Smith stats that caught the attention of scouts, analysts, and fans alike.
Sutton Smith Stats: Key Details at a Glance
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sutton Smith |
| Date of Birth | March 22, 1996 |
| Age | 29 years old |
| Height | 6 feet (1.83 meters) |
| Weight | 235 pounds (107 kg) |
| Hometown | St. Charles, Missouri |
| High School | Francis Howell High School |
| College | Northern Illinois University (NIU) |
| College Major | Kinesiology |
| College Position | Defensive End |
| NFL Positions | Linebacker, Fullback, Special Teams |
| 40-Yard Dash Time | 4.69 seconds (approximate) |
| NFL Draft Year | 2019 |
| Draft Round | 6th Round |
| Draft Pick | 175th Overall |
| Drafted By | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| NFL Teams | Steelers, Jaguars, Seahawks, Saints, Raiders |
| Notable College Stats | 30+ sacks, 58+ tackles for loss, 8 forced fumbles |
| Awards & Honors | 2× MAC Defensive Player of the Year, 2× First-Team All-American |
| Marital Status | Not married |
| Partner’s Name | Julie De |
| Children | None |
| Off-Field Interests | Coaching, Mentoring, Athletic Performance Training |
| Known for | Explosiveness, Versatility, College Dominance |
| Article Focus | Age, Height, Education, Personal Life, Career Stats & Milestone |
Sutton Smith’s Age and Early Athletic Beginnings
Born on March 22, 1996, Sutton Smith is currently 29 years old. His athletic journey began long before he entered college or the NFL. Growing up in Missouri, Smith showed an early passion for sports, especially football, where he displayed exceptional speed, coordination, and tenacity.
In high school, he attended Francis Howell High School in St. Charles, where he initially played as a running back before transitioning into a defensive end. His ability to adapt and perform at different positions would become a theme throughout his career. Smith earned statewide attention for his efforts, setting the stage for an impressive collegiate chapter.
Height, Weight, and Physical Attributes
Sutton Smith is 6 feet tall and weighs about 235 pounds. Though considered undersized for an NFL defensive lineman, his speed and explosiveness made him a standout edge rusher in college. With a 4.69-second 40-yard dash, his agility and quick burst consistently allowed him to pressure quarterbacks and disrupt plays.
Education and College Football Career at Northern Illinois
Smith enrolled at Northern Illinois University (NIU), where he majored in kinesiology. At NIU, he went from a relatively unknown recruit to one of the most feared defensive players in the Mid-American Conference (MAC).
Initially redshirted in 2014, Sutton Smith emerged in 2016 as a rising talent. However, it was the 2017 season that turned heads nationwide. During that year, Smith racked up:
- 29.5 tackles for loss (TFL)
- 14 sacks
- 3 forced fumbles
- 1 touchdown
He led the nation in TFLs and was among the leaders in sacks, earning First-Team All-American honors from several media outlets. In 2018, he continued his dominance with:
- 15 sacks
- 26.5 tackles for loss
- 5 forced fumbles
Sutton Smith became a two-time MAC Defensive Player of the Year. This rare honor solidified his status as one of the premier edge rushers in college football history. He left NIU with over 30 career sacks and 58 tackles for loss, ranking among the top in school history.
NFL Draft and Professional Career Milestones
Despite his college dominance, Smith’s smaller size compared to traditional NFL defensive ends caused him to slide in the draft. He was selected in the 6th round (175th overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
During the pre-draft process, Smith began transitioning to linebacker and even tried out at fullback to increase his versatility and chances of sticking on an NFL roster. While he didn’t make the final 53-man roster in Pittsburgh, his journey didn’t end there.
He was signed and released by multiple teams over the next couple of years, including:
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Seattle Seahawks
- New Orleans Saints
- Las Vegas Raiders
Sutton Smith Stats Overview: College vs. Pro
College Stats (2017–2018)
- Tackles: 140+
- Sacks: 30+
- Tackles for Loss (TFL): 58+
- Forced Fumbles: 8
- Touchdowns: 1 (Fumble recovery)
NFL Stats (2019–2022)
- Games Played: Limited appearances (mostly preseason/special teams)
- Total Tackles: Minimal
- Sacks and TFLs: No recorded regular-season sacks
While Sutton Smith’s NFL stats do not reflect the dominance he showed in college, his willingness to adjust to new positions and compete at the professional level shows his commitment to the game.
Position Changes and Versatility
One of the most intriguing elements of Sutton Smith’s career has been his versatility. In college, he was a defensive end. Still, in the NFL, teams asked him to play outside linebacker, inside linebacker, and even fullback on occasion.
This ability to pivot between offense and defense, and from edge rusher to coverage linebacker, is scarce. His adaptability made him a valuable practice squad and preseason player, especially for teams looking to experiment with unconventional formations.
Personal Life and Off-Field Pursuits
Outside of football, Sutton Smith leads a relatively private life but is known to be in a relationship with Julie De. While not married and without children, Sutton values his relationships and credits Julie as a source of support and motivation through the highs and lows of his career.
Off the field, Smith has expressed interest in coaching, athletic performance training, and mentoring young athletes. He has participated in football camps and is passionate about youth development, especially in underserved communities. His story of perseverance is one he hopes to pass along to the next generation of players.
Career Highlights and Honors
Despite the challenges at the pro level, Sutton Smith’s list of accolades remains impressive:
- 2× MAC Defensive Player of the Year (2017, 2018)
- 2× First-Team All-MAC
- 2× First-Team All-American
- 2017 NCAA Leader in Tackles for Loss
- Top 3 in NIU Career Sacks
These honors reflect the peak of his college career and ensure that his name remains respected in MAC history.
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Conclusion
Sutton Smith’s football career is a powerful reminder that stats alone don’t tell the whole story. From leading the NCAA in tackles for loss to navigating the ever-shifting landscape of the NFL, Smith’s journey is marked by passion, perseverance, and growth.
His ability to reinvent himself, honor his personal life, and influence the game beyond the stat sheet reflects the heart of a true athlete. Whether remembered for his college dominance or his tireless grind in the NFL, Sutton Smith’s story continues to inspire the next generation of players.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Sutton Smith serves as a redshirt junior running back on the Memphis Tigers football team, showcasing dynamic athleticism in the college circuit. He’s known for his explosive kick returns and versatile offensive play.
No, Sutton Smith is not married, but he is currently in a relationship with Julie De.
There is no official statement on his retirement, though he has shown interest in coaching and athletic performance training post-playing career.
Sutton Smith recorded over 30 sacks, 58 tackles for loss, and eight forced fumbles during his time at Northern Illinois University, making him one of the top defensive players in MAC history.
