Entering kickoff weekend in 2017, sophomore defensive end Sutton Smith was Northern Illinois’ best kept secret.
The secret wouldn’t last long.
After playing sparingly in 2016 as a reserve defensive end, Smith launched his sophomore campaign with five exclamation points. In a home loss to Boston College, the #15 jersey became a familiar site in the Eagles’ backfield as the quick-footed defensive end registered five tackles for loss and one sack in a tremendous performance.
The 6’1”, 237-pound defensive lineman wasn’t just a one-hit wonder. He produced All-American-caliber performance after All-American-caliber performance, from September to December.