Follow Coach Smith on Twitter: @Coach_Smitty
Recruiting Areas:
• Virginia (Richmond, Virginia Beach, Northern), Washington D.C.
Ryan Smith came to Elon in February 2017 after two seasons as a defensive graduate assistant at Penn State University.
Smith’s unit was responsible for eight of Elon’s 10 interceptions in 2017. The group also broke up another 30 passes to help Elon to the school's second FCS playoff appearance. After the season safety Chris Blair earned All-CAA Football honors.
In 2018, Smith's unit helped Elon post a plus-nine turnover margin to lead the CAA. His group intercepted 12 of the 13 passes this season with Greg Liggs, Jr. and Connor Christiansen tying for the team high with four apiece. For the season, Liggs and Campbell earned All-CAA Football honors.
At Penn State, Smith helped the Nittany Lions to an 11-3 overall record and a Big Ten championship in 2016. The team also earned a berth in the 2017 Rose Bowl. Penn State's defense picked off 10 passes and broke up 60 more in 2015. During his time with the Nittany Lions' defensive backs unit, Smith helped develop Miami Dolphins 2016 draft pick Jordan Lucas, Steelers 2018 draft pick Marcus Allen and current Chargers cornerback Trevor Williams.
Prior to heading to Penn State, Smith served as a defensive graduate assistant at the University of Texas at San Antonio for one season.
A 2014 graduate of the College of William & Mary, Smith helped the Tribe to a 2009 FCS semifinals appearance. As a senior, Smith tallied 47 tackles, one sack and one interception as a cornerback. Smith was a two-time CAA Academic All-Conference honoree. He earned his bachelor’s degree in process management from the College of William and Mary and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Penn State University.
