Robert Smith, Former Tiger Football Standout, Gives Back To P.A.W. Journey
Robert Smith, Clemson Football Alumnus, Gives Back To P.A.W. Journey
CLEMSON, S.C. – IPTAY, the fundraising arm for Clemson University Athletics, in conjunction with Overtime is excited to announce that 2014 Clemson graduate and former football great Robert Smith has made a substantial gift to Clemson football’s P.A.W. Journey program. This gift will further propel P.AW. Journey forward in its mission of developing Clemson football scholar-athletes through personal growth, life skills, and professional development.
“I am so grateful to be able to give back to something that has made an incredible impact on my life. Jeff, Antoine, Rashard, and the entire P.A.W. Journey staff do a phenomenal job developing our young men to be successful in life beyond football,” said Smith.
“My time as a student-athlete at Clemson shaped me into the man I am today. What I learned both on and off the field has prepared me for all that life throws your way. It is a blessing to be able to make this philanthropic gift that will help ensure current and future young men in the football program will be afforded the same opportunities. I can’t wait to see all that lies ahead for our special program that has already touched so many lives!”
Smith emerged as the team’s top safety in 2013 and 2014 after serving as a backup in 2011 and 2012. For his career, he amassed 182 tackles, six tackles for loss, one sack, two quarterback pressures, four interceptions for 28 yards, seven pass breakups, one caused fumble, and three recovered fumbles in 1,641 snaps over 53 games. He was a two-time ACC Academic Honor Roll member, graduating with a degree in Health Science in three and a half years.
“Robert was the epitome of everything Paw Journey stands for,” shared by Assistant Head Football Coach Mike Reed. “He was an excellent student-athlete, arrived early, and would stay late to practice, always wanting to improve. He has a thirst for knowledge and great self-awareness.”
“He greatly respects others and was well respected by his peers/teammates. Great integrity and humility, always putting others first. It’s always a blessing to bless others, but when it’s one of your own who is reciprocating this and serving others, that’s the ultimate goal of this program.”
“The continued generosity of former Clemson football alumni giving back is outstanding,” said IPTAY CEO Davis Babb. “Robert is a wonderful young man and champion of our football program. He has excelled on the football field, earned his Clemson degree, and given back to many who have shaped his life. We are proud of all he has accomplished, and he is a terrific example of the exceptional student-athletes we have here at Clemson. This philanthropic gift is an outward sign of his belief in P.A.W. Journey, Clemson athletics, and how it can positively impact the lives of young people.”
Director of Former Player Engagement and Development, Antoine McClain noted “Robert will join fellow Clemson Football Alumni Defensive Backs Travis Blanks and Coty Sensabaugh in giving back to P.A.W. Journey as major donors. They are setting the standard with their leadership and influence by giving back and paving the way for the future.”
For information on how to support Clemson Football and P.A.W. Journey, contact Antoine McClain, the director of former player engagement and development at 256-689-5874 or amcclai@clemson.edu.
