Cornell University Athletics

At Cornell
Smith saw action in eight contests as a sophomore in 2013, earning his second varsity letter while primarily seeing time on special teams and as a reserve defensive back. He ended the year with four total tackles, one each in games against Harvard, Monmouth, Princeton and Penn. He blocked a punt in the loss to Monmouth that was recovered by the Big Red and converted into a touchdown one play later. Three of his four tackles on the season came on special teams coverage. Smith played in four contests as a freshman in 2012, primarily on special teams. He made one tackle, as a reserve corner in the Homecoming win over Yale. With his ballhwaking ability, Smith will make plays at corner and on special teams in 2014.

At Desert Vista HS
Smith was a three-sport athlete at Desert Vista HS, lettering twice in football as a corner back and wide receiver. He was named honorable mention all-stat as a senior after helping his team win a state title and a top 50 national ranking by MaxPreps. He  made 17 tackles and had three interceptions in just seven games before missing the rest of the season with an injury. He was named to the East Valley Tribune first-team as a kick returner after averaging better than 40 yards per return with two scores. Smith also caught eight passes for 187 yards and two touchdowns as a receiver. Smith recorded 23 tackles as a junior with eight pass breakups and two fumble recoveries. Smith lettered three times in track and field and played one season of basketball

Personal
Matt Jarrard Smith is the son of Rochaun Smith and the late Samuel Smith and has an older brother, Aaron, who attends Cornell. He is enrolled in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.