Geno Smith: From Mountaineer to Raider - A Comprehensive Look at His College Career

Eugene Cyril "Geno" Smith III, born on October 10, 1990, is a professional football quarterback currently playing for the Las Vegas Raiders in the National Football League (NFL). Before his NFL career, Smith made a name for himself as the starting quarterback for the West Virginia Mountaineers. This article delves into Smith's college career, highlighting his achievements, statistics, and the impact he had on the Mountaineer football program.

Early Life and High School Career

Born in Miramar, Florida, to Eugene Smith Jr. and Tracy Sellers, Geno Smith's athletic journey began at Norland Middle School, where he participated in a magnet program with a focus on arts instruction. He then attended Miramar High School, where he was coached by former Mountaineer Damon Cogdell.

During his junior year, Smith showcased his talent by passing for 2,200 yards, throwing 25 touchdowns, and only three interceptions, earning him second-team all-state honors. His senior season was even more impressive, as he led his team to the state 6A semi-finals, completing 205 of 338 passes for 3,089 yards and 30 touchdowns, while also rushing for over 300 yards. Smith's outstanding performance led to him being named first-team all-state in Florida Class 6A and a Parade All-American. He was also recognized as the No. 1 rated player in Broward County by the Miami Herald and South Florida Sun Sentinel and finished second in the voting for Mr. Florida. By the end of his high school career, Smith had become the third-best passer in Broward County history and was included in the ESPN Top 150 prospects list.

Recruitment

Considered a four-star recruit, Smith received scholarship offers from several major college football programs, including West Virginia, Florida, and Miami. Ultimately, he chose to commit to West Virginia University, drawn to the Mountaineers' football program and the opportunity to play in a pass-oriented offense.

2009 Season: Freshman Year

Smith arrived at West Virginia in 2009 and served as a backup to Jarrett Brown. He appeared in eight games, gaining valuable experience. During the season, he completed 24 of 29 passes for 191 yards and one touchdown. He also rushed for 48 yards. Smith's first collegiate game was against East Carolina. He made his first career start in the Gator Bowl against Florida State, where he went 7-for-10 with 74 passing yards.

2010 Season: Becoming the Starter

2010 marked Smith's first year as the starting quarterback for the Mountaineers. In a game against Marshall, with the Mountaineers trailing 21-6, Smith led a fourth-quarter comeback victory. He orchestrated a drive starting from the Mountaineers' 4-yard line, aided by senior running back Noel Devine, to narrow the lead. After the Mountaineers' defense forced a stop, a punt placed them near their own end zone again. Smith completed 9 of 13 passes and scrambled for 20 yards, eventually connecting with tight end Will Johnson for a touchdown. With Marshall still ahead 21-19, head coach Bill Stewart opted for a two-point conversion, which Smith completed to wide receiver Jock Sanders, tying the score. The Mountaineers ultimately won the game in overtime, 24-21. In a 31-17 victory over Maryland, Smith completed 19 of 29 pass attempts for 268 yards and four touchdowns. In West Virginia's first-ever meeting with LSU, the Mountaineers lost at Tiger Stadium by a score of 20-14. During a 16-13 overtime loss to Connecticut, Smith completed 22 of 34 passes for 160 yards, along with a season-high 64 rushing yards. This game marked the first time all season that Smith did not throw a touchdown pass. Smith tied his record for touchdowns in a game in a 37-10 win over Cincinnati, where he was 15 for 25, throwing for 174 yards, four touchdowns, and an interception. The win came after a two-game losing streak.

2011 Season: Rise to Prominence

The arrival of new West Virginia football head coach Dana Holgorsen and his pass-oriented offensive system proved to be a turning point for Smith. His passing numbers improved significantly. With 372 passing yards against the Cincinnati Bearcats on November 12, Smith tied a Big East record with his seventh 300-yard game of the season. He earned first-team All-Big East honors.

2012 Season: Record-Breaking Performances

As a senior, Smith continued to excel, delivering several remarkable statistical performances. In the season-opening victory over Marshall, he completed 32 of 36 passes for 323 yards and four touchdowns. In the subsequent game against James Madison, he completed 34 of 39 passes for 411 yards and five touchdowns. On September 29 against Baylor, Smith had a career-best performance, completing 45 of 51 passes for 656 yards and eight touchdowns in a 70-63 victory. In the following game, a victory over Texas, he finished with 268 passing yards and four touchdowns, contributing to the Mountaineers' 5-0 record. In West Virginia's 70-33 rout of the Clemson Tigers in the 2012 Orange Bowl, Smith tied three individual bowl records: most touchdown passes (six), most touchdowns overall (seven), and total points (42). Smith's 401 passing yards broke Tom Brady's Orange Bowl record of 396, which he set in the 2000 Orange Bowl.

College Statistics

Season	Games	Comp-Att	Pct	Yards	TD	Int
2009	8	24-29	82.8%	191	1	0
2010	13	276-450	61.3%	2,763	24	7
2011	13	311-468	66.5%	4,386	31	7
2012	13	369-518	71.2%	4,205	42	6
Total	47	980-1465	66.9%	11,545	98	20

Source: Sports Reference

NFL Draft and Beyond

Despite a strong start to the season, the Mountaineers faced challenges after their win against Texas, losing the next five games. Smith received an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine, where his athleticism and strong arm were well-received by scouts. However, his ball placement was identified as an area that needed improvement. He was considered one of the top quarterback prospects alongside EJ Manuel of Florida State.

Professional Career

Smith was eventually drafted by the New York Jets in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft. After stints with the Jets, New York Giants, Los Angeles Chargers, and Seattle Seahawks, Smith found himself with the Las Vegas Raiders. In the 2025 season opener against the Patriots, Smith showcased his skills by throwing for 362 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Before joining the Raiders, Smith experienced a career resurgence with the Seattle Seahawks, earning Comeback Player of the Year honors and a Pro Bowl selection.

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