Ito Smith


Romarius "Ito" Smith is an American football running back for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He played college football for the Southern Miss Golden Eagles, and was drafted by the Falcons in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

Early years

Smith attended and played high school football at McGill–Toolen Catholic High School. As a result of his high school career playing for the Yellow Jackets, he was named as a three-star prospect by 247Sports and a two-star prospect according to Rivals.com and Scout.com.

College career

As a sophomore in 2015, he rushed for 1,128 yards and 10 touchdowns and caught 49 passes for 515 yards. His average of 134 yards of total offense per game in 2015 ranked 18th among Division I FBS players.
In July 2016, Smith was named to the watch list for the Maxwell Award. In September 2016, he set a school record with an 86-yard touchdown run against Savannah State.
During his college career, he rushed for 4,538 yards and 42 rushing touchdowns.

Collegiate statistics

Professional career

2018 season: Rookie year

Smith was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He was named the third running back on the depth chart behind Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman to start the season. Smith made his NFL debut in the Falcons' Week 2 victory over the Carolina Panthers. He had nine carries for 46 rushing yards and an eight-yard reception in the 31–24 victory. In Week 4, against the Cincinnati Bengals, Smith scored his first NFL touchdown, a 7-yard rush in the first quarter. In Week 5, a 41–17 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, he scored his second rushing touchdown of the season. In Week 6, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he recorded his third rushing touchdown, and become the first rookie in franchise history to score three rushing touchdowns in three consecutive games. In Week 8 against the Washington Redskins, he scored his fourth rushing touchdown of the season as part of a 60-yard performance in the victory. On December 17, 2018, Smith was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury. He finished the season with 315 rushing yards and four touchdowns along with 27 receptions for 152 yards.

2019 season

Smith entered the 2019 season as the No. 2 running back behind Devonta Freeman after Tevin Coleman left in free agency. He played in seven games before suffering a concussion in Week 7. He was placed on injured reserve on November 9, 2019. Smith finished the 2019 season with 22 carries for 106 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown to go along with 11 receptions for 87 receiving yards.

Personal life

Smith has earned the nickname "The Judge" after Lance Ito.