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University of New Hampshire Athletics
Prince Smith, Jr. Signs as Free Agent with NFL's Eagles
4/30/2020 1:12:00 PM | Football
PHILADELPHIA – Prince Smith, Jr. (Philadelphia, Pa.), a senior cornerback on the 2019 University of New Hampshire football team, agreed to terms as a free agent with the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles this past Saturday.
"Signing to an NFL team is definitely a great opportunity and a dream come true for me," Smith, Jr. said. "Being able to play in front of and represent my family for my hometown team is something I could never have imagined. Playing in the NFL has been my number one goal since I was seven years old and now that chance has come true. It's truly amazing!
"Coming from a small school like UNH," he continued, "I didn't receive the big spotlight each and every Saturday like the big DI schools, but playing for the Wildcats has taught me very important things over the years that I will carry to the next level."
Smith, Jr. (5-foot-10, 185 pounds) 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.
"Prince has worked very hard during his time at UNH to get this opportunity with the Eagles," said John Lyons, UNH defensive coordinator and cornerbacks coach. "A four-year starter, he finished his career with an outstanding senior season.
"Prince is an athletic, quick twitch, physical corner who plays the game with great confidence and competitiveness," Lyons continued. "I'm confident that he will make the most of this opportunity he has with the Eagles."
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.
"Signing to an NFL team is definitely a great opportunity and a dream come true for me," Smith, Jr. said. "Being able to play in front of and represent my family for my hometown team is something I could never have imagined. Playing in the NFL has been my number one goal since I was seven years old and now that chance has come true. It's truly amazing!
"Coming from a small school like UNH," he continued, "I didn't receive the big spotlight each and every Saturday like the big DI schools, but playing for the Wildcats has taught me very important things over the years that I will carry to the next level."
Smith, Jr. (5-foot-10, 185 pounds) 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.
"Prince has worked very hard during his time at UNH to get this opportunity with the Eagles," said John Lyons, UNH defensive coordinator and cornerbacks coach. "A four-year starter, he finished his career with an outstanding senior season.
"Prince is an athletic, quick twitch, physical corner who plays the game with great confidence and competitiveness," Lyons continued. "I'm confident that he will make the most of this opportunity he has with the Eagles."
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.
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