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University of New Hampshire Athletics
Prince Smith, Jr. Inks Deal With Cleveland Browns
10/20/2020 4:20:00 PM | Football
CLEVELAND – Prince Smith, Jr. '20, a recent standout on the University of New Hampshire football team, signed a contract with the NFL's Cleveland Browns on Tuesday as a member of the team's practice squad.
Smith, Jr. was originally signed by the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent April 25. After being waived by the Eagles on Aug. 7, he joined the New York Giants for the remainder of training camp but was waived during final roster cuts.
Smith, Jr., a native of Philadelphia, Pa., was a four-year starter in the secondary for the Wildcats who was named CAA Defensive Rookie of the Year – and to the Jerry Rice Award Watch List (top freshman in the nation) – as a true freshman in 2016.
As a senior in 2019, Smith, Jr. received three postseason awards: New England Football Writers College Division All-New England Team, CAA All-Conference Second Team Defense, and CAA All-Conference Second Team by Phil Steele.
In four years as a Wildcat, Smith, Jr. amassed 193 total tackles (139 solo, 54 assisted), 11 interceptions and 37 pass breakups. UNH advanced to the NCAA quarterfinals in 2017 and second round in '16.
Smith, Jr. started all 11 games in 2019 and finished third on the team in total tackles with 64 (43 solo, 21 assisted). He also ranked second in both pass breakups (seven) and interceptions (three). Smith, Jr. helped secure UNH's 28-10 win against the University of Maine with a 30-yard fumble return to give the Wildcats that 18-point lead with 1:36 remaining; he also forced a fumble earlier in the game.
His other season highlights included a career-high two interceptions at nationally-ranked University of Delaware and a personal-best 13 tackles (eight solo, five assisted) against the University of Rhode Island.
Smith, Jr. led UNH in pass breakups each of his first three seasons with eight in 2018, nine in 2017 and 13 in 2016. He also had a team-leading five interceptions as a freshman.