Note: The following appears in the Wofford gameday football program.
Chad Smith is one of the few Tigers on the 2019 roster who has seen the transformation of the past five years all the way through. He saw his team go from one national championship to three. From redshirt to special teams to defensive starter, his journey has not been easy, but it has been worth it.
The fifth-year linebacker from Sterling, Va. decided on Clemson after seeing the culture that was being built. The emphasis on personal development and character made it the obvious choice.
“The culture that they were building here was different. It was so special. It’s family-centered. They are developing you to be the best player you can be while developing you to be the best man you can be. That is what separated Clemson and this whole program from all the others.”
Smith came to Clemson before the two most-recent national titles, five consecutive CFP appearances and five ACC championships. He has the unique experience of seeing the team’s culture change from 2015 to now.
“It’s incredible to be a part of our success,” said Smith, one of four Tigers on the 2019 team who was a member of the 2015 squad. “Players come here and buy into what the coaches teach. Everyone recognizes the intangibles needed to be a successful player and create a successful program.”
Smith saw that something special was about to happen here, and he knew he could play a role in that. However, that role would change throughout his time. Smith redshirted his freshman year. He then became a key contributor on special teams the next three seasons, also serving as a backup linebacker. Smith used this waiting period to grow stronger, both mentally and physically.
“It had its challenges, but I accepted my role. I like to think of myself as a team-first guy. I learned to accept my role, do it to the best of my ability and be patient. I knew my time was going to come.”
Smith summed up this challenging journey in one word…persistence. He worked hard, trusted the process and harnessed every opportunity given to him while he patiently waited his turn. Through it all, the tenacious Tiger firmly believed that God had a plan for him. Smith knew his time would come…and it did.
He distinctly recalled a conversation with B.J. Goodson during his freshman year. Goodson, who currently plays for the Green Bay Packers, also redshirted and played his fifth year at Clemson in 2015.
“I asked him, ‘B.J., how did you make it to five years? Time is going by so slowly. This is tough.’ He told me, ‘Don’t worry about it. Before you know it, you’ll wake up and be in my shoes.’ Lo and behold, I blinked my eyes, and here I am.”