Xavier Smith

Conference USA Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll (2025) 2024 (RS SOPHOMORE) Played in all 12 games with 10 starts at the safety position. Led all UTEP defensive backs and ranked third overall on the team with 78 tackles (33 solo). Added 0.5 a tackle for loss, fumble recovery and five breakups. Totaled a season-most 10 tackles with a fumble recovery at Liberty. Tallied nine stops at Colorado State. Credited with 10 tackles and half a TFL against Sam Houston. Registered three tackles and two breakups in a win over Kennesaw State. Recorded nine tackles (season-high five solo stops) and two pass breakups in a come-from-behind win at rival NM State. PRIOR TO UTEP Played in all 12 games at Austin Peay in 2023. Named a 2023 Phil Steele FCS Fourth Team Freshman All-America. Named United Athletic Conference Freshman of the Week on Nov. 13. Tallied 75 tackles with 5.0 tackles for loss, a sack, seven pass breakups and a forced fumble for the Govs. Austin Peay finished 9-3, including 6-0 in UAC play and cliched a FCS playoff berth. Recorded a career-high 13 tackles with a TFL and two breakups against Chattanooga. Credited with 12 stops and 1.5 TFLs with a PBU against Central Arkansas. Recorded 10 tackles with a TFL and breakup against North Alabama. Registered four stops and a sack at Lindenwood. Spent the 2022 season at Colorado but did not see action for the Buffaloes. Played quarterback, running back, defensive back and returned kicks at Langston Hughes High School. Completed 126-of-272 passes for 1,789 yards and 20 touchdowns during prep career, while also rushing 170 times for 1,274 yards and 18 touchdowns. On the defensive side of the ball, recorded 40 tackles, three interceptions and two pass breakups for the Panthers. Helped lead LHHS to a 13-2 record in 2021 and an appearance in the 6A State Championship.