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IFL Northern Arizona Wranglers

Northern Arizona Wranglers Sign Running Back BJ Smith

January 19, 2023 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Northern Arizona Wranglers News Release


Smith, 5'9", 210 lbs., will be playing his first season as a professional, in the Indoor Football League, with the Wranglers. Smith spent his collegiate career at Troy University, which is located in Troy, Ala. Smith played with Wranglers National Championship winning quarterback Kaleb Barker, in his early days on the field for the Trojans. Smith was an electrifying back at Troy, earning himself a spot on the 2018 All-Sun Belt Conference First Team squad. Smith also earned the recognition of the 2019 Sun Belt Conference Preseason Offensive Player of the Year.

Smith was extremely effective in both the running and passing attacks for the Trojans. During his career at Troy, Smith averaged 4.9 yards per carry, and racked up over 2,200 rushing yards, to pair with 23 career rushing touchdowns. Smith also caught 62 passes out of the backfield for 532 receiving yards. Smith received both his bachelor's degree in psychology, and master's degree in strategic communication from Troy.

Smith is originally from Montgomery, Ala., and grew up in Millbrook, Ala., where he played football at Stanhope Elmore High School. Smith was inspired to play football by both his dad, and his older cousins, and he recalls watching his cousins play under the Friday Night Lights growing up.

Smith stated, "All I wanted to do was play football; it has been my dream to play professional football." Smith joins the Wranglers as a way for him to continue chasing his dream, and play the sport he loves, at the next level.

When addressing Wranglers Nation, Smith stated, "I can't wait to play football again, this is what I love to do." Smith is also eager to join an organization that has a newly found tradition of winning. Smith expanded by saying, "When a team wins a championship it's all eyes on you, the Wranglers will have a target on their back." Smith added, "I am looking forward to keeping the winning ways in Northern Arizona and hoisting that trophy."

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