HBCU News – Seattle Seahawks sign former HBCU defensive star

The Super Bowl champions have signed former HBCU stalwart Aaron Smith to their roster as the preseason kicks into full swing. The signing was made official on Tuesday. The signing of Smith was part of the Seahawks‘ roster moves early in the preseason, which included fullback Robbie Ouzts being placed on injury reserve.

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Smith played for South Carolina State in Chennis Berry’s first season with the team. Smith was a key player for the Bulldogs, leaving that season with 95 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and an interception. His play was good enough to earn him MEAC First Team honors. In his career with South Carolina State, he appeared in 45 games and finished with 241 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, four passes defended and one forced fumble.

Smith had a standout performance in his final game with South Carolina State, which occurred during the Cricket Celebration Bowl in 2024. South Carolina State lost the game. Smith was one of the bright spots on the team, finishing with 17 tackles, including 12 solo tackles, against a red-hot Jackson State offense. After a standout career with the Bulldogs, he went on to pursue a professional NFL career, declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft.

He went undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft and signed with the Jets as an undrafted free agent. He ultimately concluded his tenure with the Jets after he was released last September, and he now has the opportunity to join the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks as they look to solidify their roster and once again remain the class of the NFC.