BOCA RATON — Count linebacker Rashad Smith as yet another Florida Atlantic player excited to play under new defensive coordinator Tony Pecoraro.
“That’s more tackles, more sacks, more interceptions,” Smith said of Pecoraro’s “aggressive” scheme. “I’d say I’m a perfect fit for it.”
Lost in the many storylines from FAU’s 11-3 season a year ago was a breakout campaign from Smith, the former Homestead linebacker who flipped to FAU from Syracuse on Signing Day 2016. After recording 22 tackles and a sack as a true freshman, Smith took a tremendous step forward last year, leading the team with six sacks and 12 tackles for loss.