Harry Smith (American football)
Harry Elliott "Blackjack" Smith (August 26, 1918 – July 30, 2013) anchored the line from the guard position on the University of Southern California's Rose Bowl football teams in 1938 and 1939 seasons, and earned All-America honors each year. He was born in Russellville, Missouri.
| Born: | August 26, 1918 Russellville, Missouri |
|---|---|
| Died: | July 30, 2013 (aged 94) Columbia, Missouri |
| Career information | |
| Position(s) | Guard |
| College | Southern California |
| NFL draft | 1940 / Round: 4 / Pick: 36 |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 1940 | Detroit Lions |
College career
The 1938 team finished 9-2-0 and defeated Duke University. The next season, the Trojans finished 8-0-2 as national champions, including a 14-0 Rose Bowl conquest of the University of Tennessee. USC also defeated Notre Dame University in each of those seasons. Smith was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1955. Harry Smith also played for USC Rugby during his collegiate career.
Professional career
Following graduation, Smith played one year for the Detroit Lions in 1940.
Coaching career
He then served as an assistant coach at University of Missouri and USC before becoming head coach of the Canadian Football League's Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Death
In his last few years Smith had suffered a stroke that saw his health decline.[1] He died in the morning on July 30, 2013 at Columbia, Missouri. He was 94.[2]
References
- Walljasper, Joe (July 30, 2013). "MU aide Smith dies". Columbia Daily Tribune. Retrieved July 11, 2014.
- Paylor, Terez A. (July 31, 2013). "Ex-MU football assistant Harry Smith dies at age 94". The Kansas City Star. Retrieved 11 July 2014.