When the Muleriders stepped out onto Rip Powell Field, fans at Wilkins Stadium knew to keep their eyes on No. 24 – Melvin Smith Jr. A standout defensive back for the Muleriders, Smith built a reputation as one of the most consistent and feared defenders in the Great American Conference during his time at SAU.
Smith’s career stats speak for themselves. Over the course of his collegiate career, he recorded over 168 total tackles, 9 interceptions, and 46 passes defended.
One of Smith’s most memorable seasons came in his junior year, when he tallied 42 total tackles, 4 interceptions, and 24 passes defended – earning him First Team All-GAC honors. In that same season, Smiths performance tabbed him an All-American, a First Team All-American for the American Football Coaches’ Association (AFCA), and he was also named the 2023-24 Auburn Smith Male Athlete of the Year award winner.
Smith was a two-time All-Great American Conference selection and received SAU Defensive Player of the Week honors multiple times throughout his career. The Bossier City, LA native was also tabbed an All-American twice. He also finished in the top five in the GAC for passes defended during both his junior and senior seasons. His durability and consistency were unmatched – starting in over 30 consecutive games and rarely missing a snap.
Now the Bayou State native is working to play at the next level, as Smith was signed to the National Football League’s (NFL) Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent. As of now, Melvin remains with the Chiefs on the team’s practice squad.
Melvin Smith Jr. left a lasting legacy at SAU as one of the most productive defensive backs of his era. His combination of athleticism, football IQ, and competitiveness helped define the standard for SAU’s secondary during his tenure. For Mulerider fans and alumni, Smith’s name remains synonymous with excellence on the defensive side of the ball.
