Smalls was born and raised in Beaufort, South Carolina and played scholastically at Battery Creek High School.
[3][4] Smalls was selected in the seventh round, 182nd overall by the San Diego Chargers in the 1986 NFL draft.
[7] In 1987, he joined the Ottawa Rough Riders of the Canadian Football League (CFL).
In 1988, he spent time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, during training camp before retiring in July.
[9][10] In 1990, Smalls joined the Pittsburgh Gladiators of the Arena Football League (AFL).