All-Ironman selection Terrance Smith back to lead Sharks
Wednesday October 17, 2012
Top playmaker locked up through 2014
JACKSONVILLE – The 2012 South Division Champion Jacksonville Sharks announced Wednesday that the team will return one of its top playmaking threats, as Wide Receiver/Defensive Back Terrance Smith has been assigned to the Jacksonville roster on a two-year contract. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“I don’t feel that there’s any doubt that Terrance is one of the top two or three two-way players in this league,” Sharks Head Coach Les Moss said. “He excels on offense, defense and on special teams. He had a great defensive season in 2011 and emerged as one of our top receivers last year. When we had an injury late in the year, Terrance switched back to defense and did an outstanding job. He has relocated to Jacksonville and I’m excited to have him as part of our core for the next two years.”
The 25-year-old Smith emerged as one of the AFL’s best all-around players in 2012, his second season in Jacksonville. Smith started all 18 regular-season games for the Sharks, beginning the year at wide receiver as he caught 99 passes for a team-leading total of 1,158 yards and 29 receiving touchdowns. Smith also served as the Sharks’ primary kick returner, establishing new franchise records with 1,707 kick return yards and three kick return touchdowns. Smith also chipped in with 77 missed field goal return yards and a pair of rushing touchdowns.
Early in the season, Smith scored five touchdowns in back-to-back games, accomplishing the feat in Week 4 at Tampa Bay and in Week 6 against Utah. In that Week 4 contest against the Storm, Smith at one point returned back-to-back kickoffs for touchdowns. Smith was honored with three weekly league awards during the 2012 season, as he was selected as the AFL Playmaker of the Week for both Week 4 and Week 6. Smith also earned the Spalding Highlight of the Week following Week 7.
When starting defensive back Micheaux Robinson suffered a season-ending injury in Week 18 of the regular season, Smith immediately switched to defense in the middle of that game. Smith then started each of Jacksonville’s final two regular-season games and both playoff contests at defensive back, hauling in an interception in each of those four contests. On defense, Smith ended the regular season with 21.5 total tackles (19 solo) and two pass breakups.
Overall, Smith set a new franchise record with 2,984 all-purpose yards and finished fourth in the league with an average of 165.8 all-purpose yards per game. Smith’s all-around play earned him a spot on the AFL’s 2012 All-Ironman team.
Smith began his AFL career with Jacksonville in 2011, excelling on defense as a rookie. That year, Smith accounted for 65.5 total tackles (51 solo) and six interceptions. Smith showed his playmaking ability by returning three interceptions for touchdowns and also tied for the team lead with three fumble recoveries.
Before making his way to Jacksonville, Smith spent time on the Green Bay Packers’ practice squad during the 2010 NFL season. The Aiken, South Carolina native was a four-year starter at South Carolina State University.
About the Jacksonville Sharks
The Jacksonville Sharks are members of the Arena Football League (AFL). The ArenaBowl XXIV and back-to-back-to-back South Division Champions are presented by Sea Best Seafood and play all home games on Sea Best Field at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. Season Tickets for the 2013 season are now available, two tickets as low as $185. To reserve your season tickets or for more information, please call (904) 621-0700. Follow the Sharks on facebook at facebook.com/jaxsharks and on Twitter @jaxsharks, as well as the Attack Dance Team at facebook.com/sharkattackdance and Chum at facebook.com/chumsharks.
