Torrey Smith

Torrey Smith

refer to caption

Smith at the Maryland General Assembly, March 28, 2013.
No. 82 San Francisco 49ers
Position: Wide receiver
Personal information
Date of birth: (1989-01-26) January 26, 1989
Place of birth: Colonial Beach, Virginia
Height: 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight: 205 lb (93 kg)
Career information
High school: Stafford Senior High School
College: Maryland
NFL Draft: 2011 / Round: 2 / Pick: 58
Career history
Roster status: Active
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics as of Week 7, 2016
Receptions: 259
Receiving yards: 4,453
Receiving Touchdowns: 36
Player stats at NFL.com

James Torrey Smith (born January 26, 1989) is an American football wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL).

Smith attended Stafford Senior High School in Stafford County, Virginia, where he played basketball and football. He accepted a scholarship to the University of Maryland, and redshirted his first year. In 2008, he set the Atlantic Coast Conference single-season kickoff return record with 1,089 yards after a 99-yard touchdown in the 2008 Humanitarian Bowl. He ended the year with 24 catches for 336 yards and two touchdowns. In 2009, he surpassed his own mark and re-set the ACC single-season kickoff return record at 1,309 yards. That season, he amassed 2,129 all-purpose yards, the second-highest all-time mark for an ACC player. He earned many All-ACC honors following the season.

A panel of scouts considered Smith a potential third- or fourth-round selection for the 2010 NFL Draft, but he decided to return to Maryland for his junior season. In 2010, Smith was named to the Paul Hornung Award and Biletnikoff Award watchlists before the season. That season, he set the ACC career kickoff return record. Smith chose to forgo his senior season to enter the 2011 NFL Draft, where the Baltimore Ravens selected him in the second round with the 58th overall pick. After four years with the Ravens, Smith signed with the San Francisco 49ers in March 2015.

Early life

Smith was born on January 26, 1989 and grew up with his mother Monica Jenkins in Colonial Beach, Virginia and Fredericksburg, Virginia. The oldest of seven children, Smith helped his single mother, who attended Rappahannock Community College in the day and worked at night, with household chores and earned honor roll grades in school.[1] Smith attended Colonial Beach Elementary School, where his physical education teacher, Steve Swope, recognized his athletic ability and allowed Smith to attend his camps free of charge.[1] Smith noted, "Coach Swope knew me before I knew myself ... Every kid who's athletic in that town goes through Coach Swope."[1] Smith went on to Stafford Senior High School, where he played basketball as a guard,[2] and football at several different positions.[3] He enjoys fishing as a pastime.[3]

Smith played on the Stafford Indians football team as a quarterback, running back, wide receiver, cornerback, kickoff returner, and punt returner.[3] In Stafford's 2004 game against King George, Smith opened with a 54-yard kickoff return, played quarterback, and scored on a 63-yard punt return. His coach, Roger Pierce, said, "Torrey can do those type of things for us. We expect him to do those things."[4] During his senior year in 2006, Smith had 155 carries for 815 yards and 12 touchdowns, completed nine of 25 passes for 230 yards and two touchdowns, and made three receptions for 81 yards. Over the course of his interscholastic career, Smith returned six kickoffs for touchdowns. He earned all-state kick returner honors as a sophomore, all-district honors as a junior, and honorable mention All-Northwest Region quarterback honors, and all-district and all-area honors as a senior.[3]

As a college prospect, Rivals.com ranked him 30th nationally among dual-threat quarterbacks, Scouts, Inc. ranked him 33rd nationally among wide receivers, and SuperPrep placed him on its Virginia 33.[3] ESPN assessed him as a "do-it-all prospect" and projected him as a wide receiver because of his size and speed.[5] Smith was recruited by Maryland, Penn State, and Virginia Tech.[3] He was shown interest by Virginia, but did not receive a scholarship offer.[1] The Virginia staff, which questioned whether he had recovered his speed after a basketball injury during his junior year, asked Smith to run a 4.5-second 40-yard dash at a Nike combine at Clemson University, which he did.[1] The Virginia staff then asked him to repeat the feat at the University of Virginia campus, but Maryland offered a scholarship, which Smith accepted.[1] He later said, "I kind of hold a grudge against U.Va. a little bit. I'm not afraid to say it. I kind of want to show them that they questioned my speed and whether I was going to get it back. I want to show them that I'm all healed up."[1] Virginia head coach Al Groh said of the Fredericksburg native before the 2009 game against Maryland, "Clearly if we forsaw [sic] him being the type of player that he is now, he would be returning kicks for Virginia. So we are not above admitting that there is a player that certainly has turned out to be superior to what many people thought, including ourselves. He's—regardless of what the circumstances were in the past—he is a superior college football player."[6]

College career

2007 season

Smith sat out the 2007 season at Maryland on redshirt status, and was voted the scout team player of the year. He was named the scout team player of the week before the Florida State game.[3] In summer camp, Smith adjusted from playing quarterback to wide receiver, a position he had limited experience with in high school. Teammate Darrius Heyward-Bey said, "He's like a sponge. He's taking it all in, asking a lot of questions—and that's good for a receiver."[7] In December, he practiced with the first team after Isaiah Williams suffered an injury.[8]

2008 season

Torrey Smith returns a kick during the Terps' 51-24 victory over Eastern Michigan, September 20, 2008.

Smith drew praise from the Maryland coaching staff during summer workouts before the 2008 season,[9] and The Washington Times predicted Smith, alongside receiver Ronnie Tyler, would earn significant playing time.[10] He played in all 13 games and started in the last six of the season. He also saw action on special teams as a kickoff returner. Smith recorded 24 receptions for 336 yards and two touchdowns.[11] In its midseason report, The Baltimore Sun credited Smith for often giving an inconsistent Maryland team good field position with his long kick returns.[12]

Against Middle Tennessee, Smith returned four kicks for 86 yards.[3] He made his first career reception for three yards the following week against 23rd-ranked California.[3] Against Eastern Michigan, Smith recorded two receptions for 58 yards and four kickoffs for 126 yards.[13] Smith tallied his first collegiate touchdown on a third-quarter reception from quarterback Chris Turner in the 20–17 comeback at 20th-ranked Clemson.[14] He recorded 144 return yards against Virginia.[3]

In the 26–0 victory over 21st-ranked Wake Forest, Smith returned the opening kick 34 yards,[15] and caught two passes for eight yards.[16] Smith made his career first start against NC State and recorded four kickoff returns for 85 yards, which set the school single-season kickoff return yards record for a freshman, surpassing the 566-yard mark set by Da'Rel Scott in 2007.[3] Smith blocked a punt against Virginia Tech,[17] and led the team with 163 all-purpose yards including 62 receiving yards.[3] He recorded one reception for 12 yards against 16th-ranked North Carolina.[16]

In the latter part of the season, Smith increased his role and was elevated over Isaiah Williams as the number-two receiver across from Darrius Heyward-Bey. Head coach Ralph Friedgen explained that his presence would alleviate the coverage on Heyward-Bey and praised Smith's blocking ability in the running game.[18] Against Florida State, Smith broke the school record for single-season kickoff return yards, previously held by cornerback Josh Wilson.[19] He had 119 all-purpose yards,[3] including one 13-yard reception.[16] Smith posted his season-best performance against 21st-ranked Boston College with 245 all-purpose yards and eight receptions for 115 yards and a touchdown.[3]

In the 2008 Humanitarian Bowl he returned a kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown against Nevada, which broke the bowl's previous return record of 98 yards. It was also the first time a Maryland player returned a kickoff for a touchdown in a bowl game. At the end of the season, Smith had returned 42 kickoffs for 1,089 yards, which set a new Atlantic Coast Conference single-season record.[20] Smith led the team with 1,425 all-purpose yards, which put him ahead of starting running back Da'Rel Scott who compiled 1,304 yards.[11]

Smith lines up against Boston College in 2009.

2009 season

Before the 2009 season, Smith reportedly struggled in Maryland's summer camp, dividing his time between practice and online courses at night.[21] Towards the end of camp, head coach Ralph Friedgen noted an improvement in his performance, which reestablished Smith as the team's top receiver alongside Adrian Cannon.[21]

During the season, Smith saw action in all twelve games, including ten as a starter, and he amassed 61 receptions for 824 receiving yards and five touchdowns, 51 kickoff returns for 1,309 yards and two touchdowns, and eleven rushing attempts for 59 yards and one touchdown.[22] His kickoff return yardage surpassed the ACC single-season record that he had set the previous year.[22] Smith finished the season ranked sixth in the nation in all-purpose yards.[23] He was one of two players, alongside Donald Buckram of UTEP, to record more than 260 all-purpose yards in three games.[3] Smith led the team in receptions, receiving yards and return yards.[22] Smith's 2,192 all-purpose yards were the second-most ever recorded by an ACC player behind only C. J. Spiller of Clemson.[24]

In the season opener at 12th-ranked California, he caught one pass for 28 yards and made two rushing attempts for 16 yards.[16] Against Division I FCS James Madison, Smith caught eight passes for 80 yards, rushed twice for 22 yards and a touchdown,[16] and returned four kickoffs 127 yards, including one 81-yard touchdown return.[25] Despite the strong statistical performance, head coach Ralph Friedgen said, "To be honest with you, I was kind of expecting more out of Torrey. I've got a lot of faith in him. I'm not surprised at all about the return yards. But I think if you asked Torrey, he has high expectations for himself, too."[25] Smith agreed with the criticism, and acknowledged that in his second season as a wide receiver, he had room for improvement.[25] He recorded five catches for 165 yards and two touchdowns in the Middle Tennessee game, and caught four passes for 112 yards against Rutgers.[16] He led the team with three receptions for 64 yards and a 29-yard touchdown against Clemson,[3] and became the first player in the nation to reach 1,000 all-purpose yards on the season.[26] Against Wake Forest, Smith returned six kickoffs 194 yards and caught a career-high ten passes for 70 yards and a touchdown. For his performance, he was named the Atlantic Coast Conference Specialist of the Week.[27] Wake Forest head coach Jim Grobe said, "This kid is probably a better receiver [than Darrius Heyward-Bey]. He catches the ball better, he's got great foot speed. He can hurt you running the ball or catching it. Everywhere you look, he's a problem."[1]

Coach Friedgen named Smith the special teams captain for the Virginia game.[28] During the game, Virginia chose to kick short to keep the ball away from Smith on kickoffs, and quarterback Chris Turner did not target him until the fourth quarter. He finished with three receptions for 34 yards and no returns.[29] He recorded two receptions for 13 yards at Duke.[16] At NC State, he caught eight passes for 64 yards and returned a kickoff 84 yards for a touchdown. During the game, he surpassed the ACC single-season kickoff return yards record which he had set the previous season.[3] He had four receptions for 55 yards against 21st-ranked Virginia Tech, seven receptions for 71 yards against Florida State, and six receptions for 68 yards and a touchdown against Boston College.[16]

Smith advances the ball against Boston College

After the season, the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association named Smith to the All-ACC second team as both a wide receiver and return specialist.[30] Phil Steele's and The Sporting News named him to their All-ACC first teams as a wide receiver.[3] Phil Steele's and Rivals.com named him to their All-ACC second teams as a kick returner.[3] Smith submitted his name to a panel of NFL scouts after the season, which evaluated him as a third- or fourth-round selection in the 2010 NFL Draft.[24]

2010 season

Smith returned to Maryland for the 2010 season to increase his NFL draft stock, complete his criminology and criminal justice degree in December, and improve the team's record from a 2–10 finish the year prior.[24] He said, "I'll have the same talk with the same people [about the draft]. But my focus is to change what happened last year."[24] Prior to the start of the season, the coaching staff planned to increase Smith's efficiency by playing him fewer snaps in an attempt to keep him fresh.[23] In the Red–White spring game, Smith accounted for 90 of starting quarterback Jamarr Robinson's 146 passing yards,[31] including a "fingertip catch in the end zone" on the opening drive,[32] and the two roommates were reported to have developed a good rapport.[33] Before the season, Smith was named to the watchlists for the Paul Hornung Award and Biletnikoff Award.[34]

Maryland started the 2010 season against Navy, which intentionally kicked away from the elusive return man.[35] In the home opener against Morgan State, Smith scored on a 24-yard pass from backup quarterback Danny O'Brien and a five-yard pass from starter Jamarr Robinson.[36] Smith scored two touchdowns of 60 and 80 yards in Maryland's failed comeback attempt at 21st-ranked West Virginia, 31–17.[37] After the West Virginia game, Sports Illustrated considered Smith a rising prospect for the 2011 NFL Draft and described him as "a true vertical threat who has NFL size and home-run hitting speed."[38] Redshirt freshman Danny O'Brien secured the starting quarterback position after Jamarr Robinson suffered a shoulder injury, and the rookie soon "found great chemistry" with Smith.[39] Against Florida International, Smith made eight receptions for 159 yards, including a 68-yard touchdown catch and a 32-yard catch that set up another score.[40] He limped off of the field after his touchdown catch, but later said, "I was fine. I was Jim Brown-ing."[41] The following week, he was limited in practice,[42] but started against Duke and caught a 44-yard reception during a first-half scoring drive.[43] However, the lingering ankle ailment continued to bother Smith, and head coach Ralph Friedgen considered using punt returner Tony Logan for kickoff returns until he fully healed.[44] Smith had four receptions for 55 yards in the 31–7 loss to Clemson, but was hindered by his sore ankle which kept him out of practice.[45] Smith said, "I don't like sitting out [practices]. I feel like I'm leaving my teammates out to dry. I didn't battle with them all week."[45] After the game, Friedgen said in the future he would sit players who could not practice by the Thursday before a game.[46]

Against Boston College, running back Da'Rel Scott handled some of the kickoff return duties, but Smith returned two for 38 yards.[47] He also caught eight passes for 34 yards and a touchdown.[48] The following week, Maryland clinched bowl eligibility with a 62–14 rout of Wake Forest.[49] Regarding the turnaround from the previous season's 2–10 record, Smith said, "We expected to be in this position. No one else expected it," but added "No one is going to respect us [yet] because we have not beaten any top dogs."[49] In the game, Smith had five catches for 66 yards, including a 17-yard touchdown reception.[50] Before the game against Miami, the coaching staff reported Smith's ankle had improved and he was "as healthy as he has been in a while."[51] Against Miami, he had three receptions for 35 yards.[52] Smith also compiled 46 yards on two kickoff returns to break the ACC career kickoff return yards record with 2,724 yards,[53] which surpassed the previous mark of 2,688 yards held by Brandon Tate of North Carolina.[54] At Virginia, Smith took advantage of the Cavaliers' man-to-man coverage and had seven receptions for 157 yards, including a 12-yard touchdown.[55] On a 62-yard catch, he said he was tackled on the seven-yard line only because he was exhausted.[55] Quarterback Danny O'Brien expressed his readiness to throw deep passes to Smith in single coverage, "If it's even, I put it up."[55] Maryland entered the game against 25th-ranked Florida State in contention for the ACC Atlantic Division championship. Smith recorded a phone message and video appealing to fans in a bid to improve home attendance, which had been lackluster throughout the season.[56] The game was attended by 48,115 spectators, which surpassed the athletic department's projections.[56] Maryland lost, 30–16, and Smith had seven receptions for 69 yards.[57]

Smith delivered a record-setting performance against 23rd-ranked North Carolina State,[58] in which he collected a career-high 14 receptions for 224 yards and four touchdowns.[59] Smith scored on catches of 10, 11, 12, and 71 yards,[59] and his performance helped Maryland win, 38–31, despite amassing negative rushing yards.[60] During the game, Smith set the school record for career all-purpose yardage, which surpassed Lamont Jordan's previous mark of 4,960 yards.[59] His four touchdown receptions in a single game also set a school record, which surpassed the previous mark of three shared by Vernon Davis, Guilian Gary, Jermaine Lewis, and James Milling.[61] Smith's season tally of twelve touchdowns also set a school record, which surpassed the mark of nine shared by Jermaine Lewis and Marcus Badgett.[61] He also joined Marcus Badgett as just the second Maryland receiver to accumulate over 1,000 yards in a single season.[61][62] For his performance, the Atlantic Coast Conference named him the Offensive Back of the Week.[63]

Upon the conclusion of the regular season, the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association named Smith to the All-ACC first team as a wide receiver.[64] In the 2010 Military Bowl against East Carolina, Smith had two catches for ten yards.[65] Shortly after the game, he declared himself available for the 2011 NFL Draft in order to financially support his family.[66] ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper said, while he believed Smith could have potentially reached first-round status with another year, he would likely be selected in the second or third round of the 2011 NFL Draft.[67]

Statistics

 Maryland Receiving Returning Rushing
Season GP GS Rec Yds Avg Lg TD KRs Yds Avg Lg TD Att Yds Avg Lg TD
2008 13 6 24 336 14.0 44 2 42 1,089 25.9 99 1 1 0 0 0 0
2009 12 10 61 824 13.5 64 5 51 1,309 25.7 85 2 11 59 5.4 14 1
2010 13 12 67 1,055 15.7 80 12 30 585 19.5 33 0 9 7 0.8 9 0
Total 38 28 152 2,215 14.6 80 19 123 2,983 24.3 99 3 21 66 3.1 14 1

Professional career

2011 NFL Combine

Pre-draft measurables
Ht Wt 40-yd dash 10-yd split 20-yd split 20-ss 3-cone Vert Broad BP
6 ft 0  7⁄8 in 204 lb 4.41 s 1.51 s 2.50 s 4.13 s 6.72 s 42 in 10 ft 6 in 19 reps
All values from NFL Combine

Baltimore Ravens

2011

Smith (82) at Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in 2012. Also pictured are LaQuan Williams (15) and Anquan Boldin (81).

The Baltimore Ravens selected Smith with the 58th overall pick in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Smith, who ran the 40-yard dash in 4.41 seconds at the combine, was described as a deep threat that the team had missed the previous season.[68]

After facing criticism for a lack of production in the first two weeks,[69][70] Smith turned in a record-setting performance against the St. Louis Rams in Week 3. In the first quarter, he scored on each of his first three career receptions with 74-, 41-, and 18-yard touchdowns. The 74-yard score was the longest completion of quarterback Joe Flacco's career. He became the first NFL rookie, and only the twelfth player, to amass three touchdown receptions in a single quarter.[70] Smith finished the game with five receptions for 152 yards in the 37–7 victory.[71]

Smith caught a 26-yard game winning touchdown against the division rival Steelers on November 6, 2011.

On November 20, 2011, Smith once again showed his knack for making plays in the Ravens' 31-24 win over division rivals, the Cincinnati Bengals. In his second 150-yard receiving performance of the season, Smith made 6 receptions for 165 yards, including a 49-yard touchdown from Joe Flacco.

Smith caught two more touchdown passes that season, an 8-yard one in a win against the Colts and a 36-yarder in a blowout loss to the Chargers. He finished the season with 50 receptions, 841 receiving yards and a team leading (and Ravens rookie record, tied two years later by Marlon Brown) 7 receiving touchdowns.

In the AFC Championship Game, the Ravens faced the number-one seeded New England Patriots. In the third quarter, Smith caught a short pass from Flacco, broke free of a defender, raced down the sideline, pushed away Patriots safety Devin McCourty and dove toward the pylon to complete a 29-yard touchdown and give the Ravens their first lead of the game. He finished the game with three catches for 82 yards, but the Ravens ultimately lost, due to a dropped touchdown by Lee Evans and a missed field goal by Billy Cundiff, ending their season.

2012

The morning before Baltimore's Week 3 Monday Night Football rematch with the Patriots, Smith's younger brother Tevin Jones died in a motorcycle accident, leaving the former distraught. To honor his late brother, Smith played the game of his life, leading his team in receptions (6), receiving yards (127) and receiving touchdowns (2) and helping the Ravens win 31-30. He was given the game ball for his performance.

The following week, in a Thursday Night Football win against the division rival Browns, Smith caught six passes for 97 yards and a touchdown. He scored a 19-yard touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys two weeks later, and another 19-yarder against the Browns once again after the Ravens' bye week.

In a Week 10 matchup against a hapless Raiders team, Smith caught two passes, both touchdowns, and totaled 67 yards in the 55-20 win. Two weeks later, Smith recorded a season-high 144 yards off of 7 catches in an overtime victory. Smith’s final touchdown of the regular season would come against the New York Giants, a game in which the Ravens would win and clinch their division. He finished the year with 48 catches, 855 yards and a then-career-high 8 touchdown receptions.

In the Divisional Playoff Round against the Denver Broncos, Smith caught both a 59-yard pass and a 32-yard pass for touchdowns in a 38-35 double overtime win. He finished the game with three catches, 98 yards and the pair of scores.

The Ravens would go on to win Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers 34-31, earning Smith his first Super Bowl ring. However, Smith was not a very key factor in the game, catching only two passes for a total of 35 yards.

2013

Due to the trading of receiver Anquan Boldin in free agency, Smith started the 2013 season as the Ravens #1 receiver. He started the year off with a bang, catching four passes for 92 yards in a loss to the Broncos.

Smith caught seven passes for 85 yards in Week 2, and five passes for 92 yards in Week 3. He scored his first touchdown of the season in a Week 4 loss to the Buffalo Bills. He finished the game catching five balls for a total of 166 yards, and even had a 74-yard catch.

To follow up his huge game against Buffalo, Smith caught six passes for 121 yards in a win against the Miami Dolphins. 6 weeks into the season he was one of the NFL's leaders in receptions and receiving yards.

Smith had back-to-back touchdowns in Weeks 10 and 11 against the Bengals and Bears. In a Thanksgiving matchup with the rival Steelers, Smith caught a 54 yard pass on the Ravens' first offensive play of the game, and a touchdown pass three plays later. His final stats in the 22-20 win were six catches for 93 yards and a score.

Smith reached the 1,000 yard receiving season mark for the first time in his career in Week 15 .[72] He was also the first Raven-drafted receiver to eclipse 1,000 yards for the team. Smith finished the year with 65 receptions, 1,128 yards and four touchdowns.

2014

During the 2014 offseason, the Ravens signed veteran wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. After Smith started out the 2014 season slowly, he lost his starting job to the well-experienced veteran. Even though Smith would have another productive season, most of his impressive games seemed to be overshadowed by other players.

Smith would have his first decent performance of 2014 in Week 4, when he had 2 receptions for 53 yards and a touchdown in a 38-10 blowout victory against the Carolina Panthers.

In Week 6, Smith finally had a standout showing. On the game’s first drive, he scored on a 15-yard touchdown catch. On the Ravens' next possession, Smith scored another touchdown. He would finish the game with 4 receptions, 51 yards and two touchdowns, as he helped Joe Flacco set the NFL record for the fastest time to record five touchdown passes (16 minutes and 3 seconds). The Ravens would rout the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 48-17.

The following week, against the Atlanta Falcons, Smith would score the game-sealing touchdown. With less than two minutes left in the game and facing a fourth down, Flacco lofted a pass to Smith, and he hauled it in for a 39-yard score. Smith would finish the game with 3 receptions, 81 yards and the 39 yard touchdown, as the Ravens again had a blowout win of 29-7.

Two weeks later, the Ravens faced their division rival Steelers. Smith scored the game’s opening touchdown, a 35-yard touchdown catch. However, this week the Ravens would be on the other side of the blowout, and would lose 43-23. Smith still had a good game, as he had 4 receptions for 63 yards and the 35 yard score.

The next week against the Tennessee Titans, Smith would again seal the game with a 32-yard score. He would finish the game with 5 receptions for 75 yards and the previously mentioned touchdown, in another dominating win of 21-7.

Two weeks later, the Ravens faced the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football. Smith was tied with Saints wide receiver Kenny Stills as the game’s leading receiver, having 5 receptions for 98 yards. The Ravens would win in a 34-27 shootout.

The following week, the Ravens played the San Diego Chargers. On the first possession, Smith again scored the game’s opening touchdown, on a very impressive juggle in the endzone. In the third quarter, he would score again. Despite having the lead for nearly the entire game, the Ravens would lose it when San Diego scored a touchdown with less than two minutes left in regulation, and would suffer a shocking 34-33 home defeat. Despite the heartbreaking loss Smith played his best game of the season, catching 6 receptions for 65 yards and the pair of touchdowns.

In Week 14, against the Miami Dolphins, the Ravens would get redemption for their mistake the previous week with a 28-13 victory. However, Smith had no catches in this game, surprisingly not being targeted at all.

During Week 16, the Ravens looked to clinch a playoff spot. However, they had their worst game of the season, losing to the Houston Texans by a score of 25-13. However, Smith still had one of his best games of the season, with 5 receptions, 59 yards and both of the Ravens’ touchdowns.

In their regular season finale, the Ravens took on their division rivals, the Cleveland Browns, needing a win to get into the playoffs. They also needed the Kansas City Chiefs to defeat or tie the San Diego Chargers. Trailing 10-6 in the final quarter, Smith stepped up big time. He caught a deep pass from Flacco, and on the very next play, a 16-yard touchdown to give Baltimore the lead. The Ravens and Chiefs would both be victorious that day, giving Baltimore another playoff berth. Smith finished the game with 4 receptions for 83 yards, including those two huge fourth quarter plays.

In the Wild Card round of the playoffs, the Ravens faced the division rival Steelers once again. They would win the game 30-17, and Smith would contribute. He had 2 catches for 28 yards, one a touchdown.

In the Divisional Round of the playoffs, the Ravens would face the New England Patriots. Trailing 35-31 in the game’s final minutes, Flacco lofted a deep throw to Smith, but he missed the throw and Smith didn’t attempt to catch the ball. The pass was intercepted by safety Duron Harmon in the back of the endzone, ending the Ravens' season. The Patriots would go on to win Super Bowl XLIX.

Smith finished the season with 49 receptions, 767 yards and a career high 11 touchdown catches. He also had three games in which he scored multiple touchdowns.

During March 2015, Smith sent a letter to the entire city of Baltimore, announcing that he would test free agency. The letter was a goodbye note, which thanked Baltimore, Ravens' fans and the entire Baltimore Ravens organization for starting out his career on such a strong note.

San Francisco 49ers

2015

On March 10, 2015, Smith signed a five-year, $40 million contract ($22 million guaranteed) with the San Francisco 49ers, the team Smith and the Ravens defeated in the Super Bowl two seasons prior.[73][74] Smith would start alongside Anquan Boldin (who won Super Bowl XLVII with Smith and the Ravens), replacing Michael Crabtree who left for the Oakland Raiders.[75]

In his Week 1 debut with San Francisco, Smith caught one pass for 11 yards in the 20-3 victory over the Minnesota Vikings.

In Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Smith caught 6 passes for a season-high 120 yards and a 75-yard touchdown, followed up with a two-point conversion catch. However, the 49ers would lose 43-18.

In Week 3, Smith started his first game of the season, but registered no catches in a 47-7 loss to the division rival Arizona Cardinals.

The following week, Smith caught two passes for a total of 54 yards, but the 49ers loss to the Green Bay Packers team, losing 17-3.

He would finish the year with 33 receptions, 663 receiving yards and four touchdowns, three of his scores having been over 70 yards.

2016

In the first week of the 2016 NFL season, the 49ers had a Monday Night Football matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. During the game, Smith caught only 2 passes on 6 targets for only 13 yards, however, the 49ers did blow out the Los Angeles Rams 28-0.

In the 49ers Week 2 matchup against last year's NFC champions, the Carolina Panthers, Smith caught 3 passes on 10 targets for 55 yards and a touchdown in the 46-27 loss.

The nest week, Smith caught 3 passes on 4 targets against against fellow division rivals, the Seattle Seahawks, for 35 yards and no touchdowns. The 49ers lost the game 37-18.

The following week, the 49ers faced off against the Dallas Cowboys at home where Smith caught only 1 pass on 2 targets for only 3 yards. The 49ers also lost 24-17, making it their third straight loss this year.

In a Thursday Night Football matchup in which the 49ers lost 33-21 to the Arizona Cardinals (now their fourth straight loss after shutting out the Los Angeles Rams 28-0 in their Week 1 Monday Night Football matchup, Smith didn't catch a single pass in one of the worst games in his career.

The following week, the 49ers faced the Buffalo Bills, where they lost their fifth straight game of the season, 45-16. Smith had a better game after a 2 game stretch where he caught only 1 pass for 3 yards. He caught 3 passes for 76 yards and a 53 yard touchdown after Blaine Gabbert was benched in favor of Colin Kaepernick.

Career Statistics

Season Team Games Receiving Rushing Fumbles
GP GS Rec Yds Avg Lng TD Att Yds Avg Lng TD FUM Lost
2011 Baltimore Ravens 16 14 50 841 16.8 74T 7 4 39 9.8 16 0 1 0
2012 Baltimore Ravens 16 16 49 855 17.4 54 8 3 9 3.0 13 0 0 0
2013 Baltimore Ravens 16 16 65 1,128 17.4 74 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
2014 Baltimore Ravens 16 16 49 767 15.7 53 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2015 San Francisco 49ers 16 12 33 663 20.1 76T 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2016 San Francisco 49ers 6 6 12 182 15.2 53T 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 86 80 258 4,436 17.2 76T 36 7 48 6.9 16 0 2 0

Charity work

Smith founded the non-profit Torrey Smith Foundation (TSF), whose mission is to provide support to at-risk youth with physical, educational and financial challenges, and to focus on the enhancement of lives of those that have been affected by domestic violence. The TSF's website states its goals as: Education of youth on subjects useful to the individual and beneficial to the community, Increasing the awareness of financial and hands on support needed in the fight against domestic violence and supporting other organizations conducting charitable activities that align with the TSF mission. For the past 2 years, Torrey has participated in the Madieu Williams Football Camp, a free camp held by the current Redskins safety for kids ages 6–14.

Personal life

On September 23, 2012, Smith lost his 19-year-old brother due to a motorcycle accident. Tevin Chris Jones was riding on Route 672 in Westmoreland County, Virginia, when he ran off the right side of the roadway and struck a utility pole, according to the Virginia State Police. Jones was pronounced dead at the scene. He was wearing a helmet, and alcohol was not a factor. The accident is still under investigation.

Smith left the Ravens' hotel on Sunday at 2 a.m. ET, accompanied by a member of the Ravens' security staff, to be with his family. Smith told Ravens coach John Harbaugh that he wanted to play in that night's game against the New England Patriots. Harbaugh told him that it was Smith's call to make.[76] Smith chose to play, and finished the game with 6 receptions for 127 yards and two touchdowns in a 31-30 win over the New England Patriots.

In March 2013, Smith worked as an intern for Maryland Rep. Elijah Cummings, working out of Baltimore.[77] On March 28, 2013 Smith was picked by the Ravens to represent the team at the Maryland State capital in Annapolis. Smith, along with Ravens' president Dick Cass spoke to the assembled members of the Maryland House of Delegates and then the Maryland State Senate.[78]

Smith married his longtime girlfriend, Chanel Williams, on July 11, 2013. On September 30, 2013, Smith tweeted that his wife is pregnant.[79] On April 4, 2014, Chanel gave birth to their first child, a son named Torrey "TJ" Jeremiah.[80]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Smith receptive to redemption, The Free-Lance Star, October 16, 2009.
  2. ↑ Hot Indians add to Eagles' woes, The Free Lance-Star, January 15, 2005.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Player Bio: Torrey Smith, University of Maryland, retrieved January 4, 2009.
  4. ↑ Indians run wild against the Foxes, The Free Lance-Star, September 25, 2004.
  5. ↑ Torrey Smith 2007 Football Recruiting Profile, ESPN Insider, retrieved September 20, 2010.
  6. ↑ Eric Prisbell, Interesting Groh Quote on Torrey Smith, The Washington Post, October 13, 2009.
  7. ↑ Terp's Smith begins the switch to receiver; Ex-Indian Smith moves to receiver with Terps, The Free-Lance Star, August 7, 2007.
  8. ↑ Emerald proves a gem for young Terps; extra weeks of practice give crop of freshmen a jump-start on next season; Maryland football, The Baltimore Sun, December 21, 2007.
  9. ↑ Busy spring camp nears an end, Rivals.com, April 23, 2008.
  10. ↑ Patrick Stevens, Ten camp questions for Maryland, The Washington Times, August 2, 2008.
  11. 1 2 2008 Cumulative Statistics, University of Maryland, retrieved January 4, 2009.
  12. ↑ Terps' season of inconsistency; Maryland midseason report, The Baltimore Sun, October 9, 2008.
  13. ↑ Sunday With The Fridge, Rivals.com, September 21, 2008.
  14. ↑ COL FB: Maryland 20, Clemson 17, United Press International, September 27, 2008.
  15. ↑ Turner leads Maryland to rout of No. 21 Wake Forest, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, October 18, 2008.
  16. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Torrey Smith Stats, Splits, News, Photos, ESPN, retrieved September 21, 2010.
  17. ↑ Hokies Run Past Terrapins; Evans Has School-Record Night, ACC Race Is Further Muddled, The Washington Post, November 7, 2008.
  18. ↑ Patrick Stevens, D1scourse Challenge mailbag, The Washington Times, November 19, 2008.
  19. ↑ Terps will work on rebounding; Maryland out of ACC race after loss; Maryland football rewind, The Baltimore Sun, November 24, 2008.
  20. ↑ Maryland Holds Off Nevada, 42-35, to Win Roady's Humanitarian Bowl, "Postgame Notes", University of Maryland, retrieved January 4, 2009.
  21. 1 2 Patrick Stevens, Torrey Smith dials in, The Washington Times, August 24, 2009.
  22. 1 2 3 2009 Cumulative Season Statistics, University of Maryland, retrieved September 21, 2010.
  23. 1 2 Jeff Barker, Terps plan to use Torrey Smith more efficiently; Wide-out will play fewer snaps as Maryland rotates in other receivers, The Baltimore Sun, August 16, 2010.
  24. 1 2 3 4 Smith grows into leader for Terps, The Free-Lance Star, August 30, 2010.
  25. 1 2 3 Key players remain injured going into MTSU game Saturday, Smith shines, The Diamondback, September 15, 2009.
  26. ↑ CFB: Week 5 ACC Notebook, Athlon Sports, October 6, 2009.
  27. ↑ Atlantic Coast Conference Announces ACC Football Players of the Week Offensive Back of the Week Thaddeus Lewis Garners National Player of the Week Accolades, Atlantic Coast Conference, October 12, 2009.
  28. ↑ Terps Meet Cavaliers in Homecoming Game on Saturday, WBOC, October 16, 2009.
  29. ↑ Terps suffer another tough loss, Frederick News-Post, October 18, 2009.
  30. ↑ Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association Announces 2009 All-ACC Football Teams Yellow Jackets pace first team with six selections, including five on offense., Atlantic Coast Conference, November 30, 2009.
  31. ↑ Terps look to move past 2-10 season with Red-White game; Robinson and O'Brien split time at quarterback spot, The Diamondback, April 26, 2010.
  32. ↑ Freshman D.J. Adams stars in Maryland’s Red-White game; Running back scores two touchdowns in annual spring game, The Baltimore Sun, April 25, 2010.
  33. ↑ Maryland Football: Lessons From The Spring Game, CSN Washington, April 24, 2010.
  34. ↑ Quick Fix, The Washington Post, August 18, 2010.
  35. ↑ Kate Yanchulis, Notebook: Logan's return to greatness?; Punt returner impressed against Bears; Terps get more respect in new polls, The Diamondback, September 11, 2010.
  36. ↑ Maryland Rolls Over Morgan State, 62-3, Atlantic Coast Conference, September 11, 2010.
  37. ↑ Eric Prisbell, Maryland football falls to West Virginia, 31-17, Washington Post, September 19, 2010.
  38. ↑ Locker's draft stock takes a dive, Sports Illustrated, September 20, 2010.
  39. ↑ Terps look to clinch bowl eligibility, WTOP, October 29, 2010.
  40. ↑ Jeff Barker, Maryland's win – the good, the bad and the funny, The Baltimore Sun, September 25, 2010.
  41. ↑ Big plays boost Terps to 42-28 win; Young quarterback O'Brien keeps his poise, delivers, The Baltimore Sun, September 25, 2010.
  42. ↑ Terps' WR Torrey Smith injured but likely to play, ESPN, September 29, 2010.
  43. ↑ Logan's punt return TD sparks Terps to 21-16 comeback win over Duke; 84-yard play key to rally from 9-0 hole, The Baltimore Sun, October 3, 2010.
  44. ↑ Terps may look beyond Torrey Smith for kickoff returns; Ankle injury lingers, slowing Maryland's once-explosive special-teams threat, The Baltimore Sun, October 17, 2010.
  45. 1 2 Jeff Barker, Terps can't catch Clemson this time; Tigers use two big plays from return men to offset stagnant offense, The Baltimore Sun, October 16, 2010.
  46. ↑ Eric Prisbell, Numerous mistakes doom Maryland football in 31-7 loss to Clemson, The Washington Post, October 16, 2010.
  47. ↑ Jeff Barker, Terps heed injured tackle's message; DeSouza, who broke bones in both legs in scooter crash, wanted the win, The Baltimore Sun, October 23, 2010.
  48. ↑ Recap: Boston College vs. Maryland, News & Observer, October 23, 2010.
  49. 1 2 Eric Prisbell, Maryland football pounds Wake Forest to become bowl eligible, The Washington Post, October 31, 2010.
  50. ↑ Danny O'Brien helps Maryland put up 62 points on Wake Forest, ESPN, October 30, 2010.
  51. ↑ Maryland at Miami, The Washington Post, November 6, 2010.
  52. ↑ In his first college start, Stephen Morris makes Miami a winner, ESPN, November 6, 2010.
  53. ↑ Sam Spiegelman, Terps Break Records, Go Unnoticed in Loss, Scout.com, November 11, 2010.
  54. ↑ Andy Johnston, ACC Notes, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, October 26, 2010.
  55. 1 2 3 A big day for Maryland's Torrey Smith against Virginia, The Washington Post, November 13, 2010.
  56. 1 2 Finally, U-Md. finds a crowded house, The Washington Post, November 21, 2010.
  57. ↑ Florida State picks off Maryland to hang on to ACC title hopes, ESPN, November 20, 2010.
  58. ↑ Postgame Notes, Maryland 38–31, University of Maryland, retrieved November 27, 2010.
  59. 1 2 3 Eric Prisbell, Maryland football earns 38-31 win over North Carolina State, The Washington Post, November 28, 2010.
  60. ↑ Heather Dinich, Torrey Smith does it again, ESPN, November 27, 2010.
  61. 1 2 3 Terrapin Football 2009 Media & Recruiting Guide (PDF), p. 188, University of Maryland, 2009.
  62. ↑ Heather Dinich, Torrey Smith talks about his future, ESPN, November 27, 2010.
  63. ↑ Three Terps Earn ACC POW Honors Smith voted offensive back of week, Perez the top defensive back, O'Brien No. 1 rookie, University of Maryland, November 29, 2010.
  64. ↑ 2010 All-ACC Football Teams Announced ACSMA honors top student-athletes from around the ACC., Atlantic Coast Conference, November 29, 2010.
  65. ↑ Maryland WR Torrey Smith to turn pro, CSN Washington, December 29, 2010.
  66. ↑ Terps win with Military precision, The Washington Post, December 29, 2010.
  67. ↑ Chat with Mel Kiper, ESPN, December 29, 2010.
  68. ↑ Dan Kolko, Want a deep threat? Torrey Smith's your guy, MASN Sports, April 29, 2011.
  69. ↑ Too early to give up on Torrey Smith; Maryland receiver Torrey Smith continues to learn his trade at the highest level, The Baltimore Sun, September 22, 2011.
  70. 1 2 Game 3: Torrey Smith helps Ravens race past Rams; Rookie wide receiver from Maryland catches three first-quarter touchdown passes in 37-7 win over St. Louis, The Baltimore Sun, September 25, 2011.
  71. ↑ Predict Torrey Smith's stat line, The Baltimore Sun, September 26, 2011.
  72. ↑ "Torrey Smith Quietly Having a Great Season as a #1 Receiver".
  73. ↑ Sessler, Marc. "49ers, Torrey Smith strike five-year, $40M deal". NFL.com. Retrieved 10 March 2015.
  74. ↑ "49ers Sign WR Torrey Smith to Five-year Contract". 49ers.com. March 11, 2015. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
  75. ↑ Crabtree signs with Raiders for 1 year, $3 million
  76. ↑ Paolantonio, Sal. "Torrey Smith expected to play". ESPN. Retrieved 24 September 2012.
  77. ↑ "Torrey Smith is an intern for Rep. Elijah Cummings".
  78. ↑ "Ravens Bring Lombardi Trophy to Annapolis".
  79. ↑ "Torrey Smith & wife announce they're pregnant". BaltimoreNewsJournal.com. Retrieved September 30, 2013.
  80. ↑ http://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/article-1/Torrey-Smith-Celebrates-Arrival-Of-Baby-Boy/83d83698-f0d1-418f-bea5-5e415edd70bd

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