Smith attended Boise State University, where he was nicknamed "Super Needle" and became a three-year starter.
He received All-Big Sky and Kodak All-American honors at the end of the year.
In 1985, he was inducted into the Boise State University Hall of Fame, as arguably the best all-purpose running back in school history.
Smith was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round (75th overall) of the 1976 NFL draft, after dropping because although he was seen as a great athlete, he was considered light for a running back.
[2] After a slow start in training camp, he seemed to be coming on with a 42-yard run and a touchdown score against the Detroit Lions in pre-season, but suffered a broken foot in practice and was placed on the injured reserve list.