JCSU linebacker Jack Smith’s all-star opportunity

DONALD WATKINS | THE CHARLOTTE POST

Former Johnson C. Smith linebacker Jack Smith, an All-CIAA pick who racked up 86 tackles (7.5 for loss) in 2024, will audition before NFL scouts at the HBCU Legacy Bowl Feb. 22 in New Orleans. “Playing in front of the scouts is always a dream come true, and that just shows you hard work pays off, and if they want you, you’re going to get noticed,” he said.

Jack Smith was good enough to play Big 10 football.

The opportunity to flourish was at Johnson C. Smith.

The former Golden Bulls linebacker was one of the CIAA’s best over three seasons, with All-CIAA accolades and an invitation to the Feb. 22 HBCU Legacy Bowl in New Orleans. It’s an opportunity to show skills in front of NFL decision-makers over a five-day stretch – and perhaps realize a goal.  

“Playing in front of the scouts is always a dream come true, and that just shows you hard work pays off, and if they want you, you’re going to be noticed,” said Smith, who played in four games over two seasons at Purdue before transferring to FCS Campbell. “I think it’s a great opportunity for me to play in this bowl game and I’m very honored to be here. I'm very honored to meet new people, meet the coaching staff, meet new players, all the great players and stuff.”

Smith and West Charlotte High graduate Benari Black formed the CIAA’s top linebacker duo during a three-season run where they were among the conference’s best defenders. Smith tallied 86 tackles, including 7.5 for loss and a pair of interceptions in 2024. Only Black, the CIAA defensive player of the year, had more tackles (114) and stops for loss (14.5) among Golden Bulls. He’ll also suit up in New Orleans as the first all-star game participants in school history.

“I’m glad to play alongside my brother one more time,” Smith said. “I think we’re the best linebackers in the world, the best duo in the country. I don’t think you’re ever going to see a better duo than me and him.”

JCSU coach Maurice Flowers, who recruited Smith and Black, credited them with anchoring the Golden Bulls’ ascent to one of Division II’s best defenses the last two seasons. JCSU was sixth last year in total defense; they were first in 2023.

“It’s just so fitting that it’s two guys that were with us – I call them day one guys – because they've done a tremendous job,” Flowers said. “It just says a lot for those young men, and then also for our program.”

Black, the weakside linebacker, uses lateral speed to wreak havoc. Smith’s the traffic cop, making the calls and adjusting the defense.

“With Jack being the middle linebacker, he’s got to be the most cerebral one, and he's the one that communicated all the calls,” Flowers said. “And he’s also, without a doubt, the physical presence. Jack’s going to be the guy that lets you know he was there. His thing was let’s go make the running backs, quarterbacks and receivers perform differently in the fourth quarter than the first quarter by the punishment that we put on them during the course of the game.”

Said Smith: That’s what makes us so close. When we get on the field, obviously, you’ve got to communicate, but I can just give him a look, or he can give me a look, and we already know what [the play] is.”

The connection between Smith and Black continued off the field as well.

TROY HULL | THE CHARLOTTE POST

In his final season at Johnson C. Smith, middle linebacker Jack Smith tallied 86 tackles, including 7.5 for loss with the Golden Bulls, who went 8-2 in 2024.

“If you hear me say, ‘my brother,’ it’s just not like a friendship, even though we’ve got different parents and stuff and from different places, he’s still my brother,” Smith said. “At the end of the day, we’ve got a close bond. We’re not just hanging out on the football field; we’re hanging out outside of football. We talk to each other, we treat each other like brothers, literally.”

Flowers, who coached Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson and CFL Hamilton TigerCats receiver Shemar Bridges at Fort Valley State as well as Miami Dolphins guard Kion Smith as Fayetteville State’s offensive coordinator, believes Smith has the tools to play at the next level.

“Everything with the NFL is a fit,” Flowers said. “It takes one team to fall in love, but I think Jack is more like those old school linebackers that’s going to stop the run and he could play a lot of good special teams also.”

Smith is ready for his audition and the opportunity it presents.

“I want to show them my speed … and between the lines, also understanding the game,” he said. “I feel like I’m a student of the game, I just love the game. I know the X’s and O’s, the ins and out. I’m always willing to learn.”

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