Laverne Smith facts for kids
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| Position: | Running back | ||||||
| Personal information | |||||||
| Born: | September 12, 1954 Greenwood, Mississippi, U.S. |
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| Height: | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) | ||||||
| Weight: | 193 lb (88 kg) | ||||||
| Career information | |||||||
| High school: | Wichita (KS) Wichita Southeast | ||||||
| College: | Kansas | ||||||
| NFL Draft: | 1977 / Round: 4 / Pick: 99 | ||||||
| Career history | |||||||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||||||
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| Career NFL statistics | |||||||
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| Player stats at PFR | |||||||
Laverne Smith was born on September 12, 1954. He is an American former football player. He played as a running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the National Football League (NFL). The Steelers chose him in the fourth round of the 1977 NFL draft. Before playing professionally, he was a college football star at the University of Kansas. He also went to Wichita Southeast High School in Wichita, Kansas.
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Early Life and High School Achievements
Laverne Smith played high school football for the Wichita Southeast High School Golden Buffaloes. He was recognized as a top player, earning first-team All-City honors in both 1971 and 1972.
Besides football, he was also a talented track and field athlete. In 1971, he won the state championship in the 100-yard dash. Because of his amazing sports achievements, he was added to the Southeast High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2012.
Amazing College Career
Smith played college football for the Kansas Jayhawks from 1973 to 1976. He was a starting player for three of those years. In 1974, he was named All-Big Eight, which means he was one of the best players in his college conference.
He set new school records for the Jayhawks. He had 3,192 career rushing yards, which was a record for the most yards gained by running with the ball. In 1974 alone, he rushed for 1,181 yards, another school record for a single season. Overall, he scored 23 touchdowns by running the ball. He also averaged an incredible 6.5 yards every time he carried the ball, which was also a school record. He caught 21 passes for 217 yards and two touchdowns.
Laverne also continued his track career at the University of Kansas. In 1976, he won the Big Eight championship in the 100 meters race and the 440-yard relay. His fastest times were 10.29 seconds for the 100 meters and 20.44 seconds for the 200-meter dash.
Playing in the NFL
The Pittsburgh Steelers picked Laverne Smith as the 99th player in the 1977 NFL Draft. He played in seven games for the team during the 1977 season. Unfortunately, he suffered a broken leg during that season. He remained on the Steelers' team roster for a few more years after his injury.
Life After Football
After his football career, Laverne Smith worked and later retired from Boeing in Wichita.
