Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 2022
- Class:
- 2008
Alphonso Smith is one of the most decorated athletes in Demon Deacon history. Smith's Wake Forest career began in 2005 as a freshmen. In his first season as a Demon Deacon, Smith was named to the First-team Freshman All-American team by CollegeFootballNews.com, ESPN.com, and Scout.com. He was also named to the Second-team Freshman All-American by The Sporting News and Rivals.com. His final accolade after his freshman season was being named to the Sporting News ACC All-Freshman Team.
As a Junior in 2007, Smith is remembered most by his 100-yard interception return against Maryland that sparked the Deacons to rally from a 24-3 deficit and post a 31-24 win in overtime over the Terps; It was the longest return in school history. Smith finished the 2007 season with a school-record eight interceptions, his eight interceptions led both the nation and the ACC that season. He was later named to the First-team All-ACC team; second team All-America by Walter Camp; Third team All-America by Associated Press and honorable mention All-America by Sports Illustrated.
As a Senior in 2008, Smith recorded seven interceptions. Smith was named to the First-team All-ACC team for the second consecutive year, along with being named a First-team All-American by the Associated Press, American Football Coaches Association, Football Writers Association, Walter Camp and CBS Sports. He was named a Second-team All-American in 2008 by The Sporting News, Sports Illustrated, Phil Steele and Rivals. Due to his standout play, Smith was a finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Award as the nation’s top defensive player in 2008.
Smith finished his Wake Forest career holding the ACC record for career interceptions (21) which still stands today. He is also second in school history with 61 passes defended in a career.
Smith was drafted by the Denver Broncos in 2009 (Round 2, Pick No. 37) and finished his NFL career playing for the Detroit Lions (2010-2012). His career stats in the NFL include eight interceptions, two defensive touchdowns, 88 tackles, two fumble recoveries/forced and 19 pass deflections.
