Enoch Smith’s Long Journey From Chicago to Playing His Dad’s Alma Mater

STILLWATER – Enoch Smith’s road to Stillwater was a long one, literally.

Smith, a redshirt senior defensive tackle, had to drive from his native Chicago to Stillwater, a near 11-and-a-half-hour cruise. A few times at Sunday’s media availability, Smith mentioned just how long the drive was, but he said it was worth it.

Smith started his collegiate football career at Michigan State. As a Spartan, Smith redshirted in 2014 and played in just three games in 2015, recording one tackle. On Aug. 31, 2016, two days before the Spartans were set to start their season, Smith announced via Twitter he was stepping away from the MSU program.

He spent the 2016-17 school year at Kennedy-King College, a junior college in Chicago, but the school doesn’t have a football team. Smith spent the year as a student. He also worked part time at Dick’s Sporting Goods as a cashier and in the clothing department.

“I got a job,” he said. “I wanted to make money for myself and not depend on my parents. I took care of my academics and worked out with my dad nonstop. I worked out at some other facilities back in Chicago as well, but really just staying focused. I didn’t want to get myself in trouble back in Chicago because we know the stereotype that comes with Chicago. Just kept myself busy.

“(Working at Dick’s Sporting Goods) was fun, but you’re on your feet for eight hours straight. I was like, ‘Yeah, nah, this is not for me.'”

Smith kept in shape and, despite not playing football for a year, schools still came. Smith had offers from Syracuse and Kentucky, and he picked up interest from Michigan State again before eventually settling on OSU. As a junior at OSU last season, Smith had 2.5 sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss.

Missouri State, OSU’s season-opening opponent, and Smith share a bond in Smith’s father, Enoch Smith Sr. Missouri State is Smith Sr.’s alma mater where he played defensive end and outside linebacker before playing arena football. Smith said his father is the biggest inspiration in his life.

“He’s always been in my corner and in my ear telling me things, especially giving me words from the Bible because he’s a minister, as well,” Smith said. “Whenever I would get discouraged, he would help bring me up. He’s been there every step of the way.

“I was excited when I was back at home in Chicago, all the schools that recruited me, I looked at their schedules for years to come, and I saw Missouri State and Oklahoma State and I was like, ‘Wow. Dad, if I play your school, I’m sorry. I’m gonna have to ball.’”