As a redshirt freshman, he was a backup linebacker tallying 64 tackles (seventh on the team), 8 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 4 quarterback pressures, 3 passes defensed, while contributing on the special teams units that achieved an NCAA season record low of 0.2 yards allowed per punt return.

He made 2 sacks, 8 quarterback pressures, 4 tackles for loss, 9 passes defensed, one interception and 2 forced fumbles.

Smith stayed five years at the University of Miami, the first as a red-shirted freshman under Jimmy Johnson, so he could get a complete education.

He registered 93 tackles (fourth on the team and led NFL rookies), 4 passes defensed, 2 fumble recoveries.

He was named to the NFL All-rookie team and was considered one of the fastest linebackers in the league, extremely quick and versatile.

[8] He collected 65 tackles (seventh on the team), 3 sacks and returned a fumble 63 yards (sixth longest in franchise history) against the Kansas City Chiefs.

In the 1990s, the Cowboys organization felt they could find linebackers through the draft, without the need of paying a premium and adversely impacting the salary cap,[9] so they allowed talented and productive players like Ken Norton Jr., Dixon Edwards, Robert Jones and Randall Godfrey, to leave via free agency, instead of signing them into long-term contracts.

Although he was looking for a multiyear deal, because that season many teams had salary cap problems, he was forced to sign a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles on April 19, 1997.

[11] His time with the team was disappointing after suffering a sprained left ankle in training camp which forced him to miss 3 of the first 5 games.

On February 19, 1998, he reunited with Dennis Erickson, signing a contract with the Seattle Seahawks and becoming the starter at strongside linebacker.

In the sixth game against the Carolina Panthers, although he lacked the ideal size, he became the team's starting middle linebacker at 235 pounds.

In 2003, he opened the season as the starter at middle linebacker, collecting 11 tackles (3 solo) and one pass defensed against the Seattle Seahawks.

In the fifth game against the Carolina Panthers, he was moved as the starter at strongside linebacker, replacing an injured Sedrick Hodge.

In the ninth game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he suffered a strained right hamstring in the second quarter.

Smith now owns and operates a real estate investment/development company, As well as being a Youth & High School Football Coach at Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood, FL).

He is a member of The Fountain of Pembroke Pines (Pastor Wayne Lomax) where he heads the Athletes for Christ Bible Study Ministry.