Colorado University Athletics

Smith Bypasses NFL, Returning For Senior Year

Smith Bypasses NFL, Returning For Senior Year
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BOULDER ? Cornerback Jimmy Smith has elected not to apply for this April’s National Football League draft and thus will return for his senior year at the University of Colorado next fall, head coach Dan Hawkins said Saturday.

 

Smith, a 6-2, 205-pound three-year letterman from Colton, Calif., was exploring options with the NFL and if there was any likelihood he would be either a first- or second-round selection in the draft.   He met with Hawkins early Saturday and informed him he would return for his senior year.

 

“We’re excited to have the chance to work with him one more year,” Hawkins said.  “We’re proud of his accomplishments and look forward to his growth as a player and person, and firmly believe he will be one of the best cornerbacks in the country next year.”

 

Smith was fifth on the team in tackles with 70, 52 solo, while playing all but three snaps from scrimmage on defense (801).  He tied for the team lead in interceptions with two, was second in passes broken up (10), and also logged seven third down stops, three tackles for zero, three others for losses, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a touchdown save.  In man coverage, he allowed just eight completions all season.