D'Ante Smith
D'Ante Bryce Smith (born June 8, 1998) is an American professional football offensive tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at East Carolina. Early lifeSmith grew up in Augusta, Georgia and attended Grovetown High School, where he was a member of the football and wrestling teams.[1] After being named second-team All-Area and All-Region as a junior, Smith committed to play college football at Appalachian State.[2] During his senior season, he decommitted from Appalachian State and ultimately signed to play at East Carolina.[3] College careerSmith sustained a season-ending injury in the opening game of his freshman season and used a medical redshirt.[4] Going into his senior year, Smith had started 33 games.[5] Smith suffered an injury in the season opener of his redshirt senior season. He eventually decided to opt out of the remainder of the year and train for the 2021 NFL draft.[6] Professional career
Smith was selected in the fourth round with the 139th overall pick of the 2021 NFL draft by the Cincinnati Bengals.[10] He signed his four-year rookie contract with Cincinnati on May 17.[11] He was placed on injured reserve on October 16, 2021. He was activated on December 18, 2021 for the Week 16 matchup against the Denver Broncos.[12] Smith served as the backup left tackle to Jonah Williams throughout the 2022 season, and carved out a role for himself as the team's swing tackle on running plays that required a sixth offensive lineman. Smith remained as the backup left tackle for the 2023 season, this time backing up Orlando Brown Jr., who the Bengals had signed in free agency. Smith missed the 2024 season after tearing a patellar tendon in training camp.[13] References
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