Former Buccaneer All-American playing for the Wroclaw Panthers
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (April 19, 2023) – Former ETSU All-American defensive back Artevius Smith (Birmingham, Ala.) is gearing up to play in the European League of Football.
Back in November, Smith signed a contract to play for the Wroclaw Panthers as the franchise is preparing for their third season in the league. The 14-week season begins Saturday, June 3.
“I’m just very grateful and excited to have an opportunity to showcase my skill set in one of the top leagues throughout Europe,” said Smith. “I want to thank the Panthers for this opportunity, and I am excited for the season to start.”
Smith, a member of ETSU football from 2015-19, played in 43 career games for the Blue & Gold. The Birmingham, Ala. native totaled 134 tackles (79 solo) and seven interceptions, including a team-best 89 tackles and five interceptions in 2019.
Smith earned three All-American honors in 2019 as he picked up Associated Press, STATS FCS and Phil Steele honors. The Buccaneer defensive back was a Buck Buchanan Award finalist and was tabbed first team all-Southern Conference by the coaches and media during his redshirt senior season. To go with his team-leading 89 tackles, Smith led the SoCon with his five interceptions, which included a stretch with one pick in three straight games.
During the 2018 championship season, Smith finished with 30 tackles. Smith had a two-interception game in the championship-clinching win at Mercer. Smith had six tackles against the Bears and also notched six hits in the FCS playoff game at Jacksonville State.
After graduating from ETSU, Smith played two seasons for the Omaha Beef – a member of the Champions Indoor Football League (CIF). In 2021, Smith finished with 23 tackles and one tackle for loss, while posting 30 tackles and one interception for the Beef in 2022. The Beef made the CIF championship game both seasons Smith played and won the title in 2021.
“Artevius is a versatile player in the third line of defense,” said former Panthers head coach and current Sports Director Jakub Samel. “On his tape, you can see not only great plays against the passing game of rivals, but also heavy hits against the running game. His winning nature and work ethic will fit in perfectly with our team.”
Smith is the second Buccaneer to play in the European League of Football as quarterback Austin Herink played for the Vienna Vikings. Another connection with ETSU Athletics is Wroclaw, Poland is the hometown of Buccaneer men’s golf alum Adrian Meronk. Meronk is currently playing on the DP World Tour and just wrapped up making his Masters debut two weeks ago in Augusta.
For more information on Buccaneer football, visit ETSUBucs.com and click on the football tab.
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