He attended South Oak Cliff High School. He was an All-Midlands Region defensive lineman by PrepStar Magazine.
College career
In his sophomore season, he was the Team Spring Most Improved Defensive lineman. In his Junior season, he was selected for the Jeff Rigman Outstanding Underclassman Leadership Award and was selected to the 2nd-Team All-Big 12 team following the conclusion of his Junior season. In his Senior season, he was named to the Pre-Season 1st-Team All-Big 12 Lindy's, Blue Ribbon, Pre-Season 2nd-Team All-Big 12 Athlon, Phil Steele. He also was selected to the Pre-Season CFPA DL Watch List and Pre-Season Lombardi Watch List prior to the season.
Professional career
Miami Dolphins
On May 4, 2012, he signed with the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent. On August 25, 2012, he was released among roster cuts.
On December 4, 2012, he signed with the New York Jets to join the practice squad. On December 31, he was signed with the New York Jets to a reserve/future contract. He was released on August 31, 2013.
Smith signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 10, 2014 after the team had waived rookie defensive end Scott Solomon. Since joining Tampa Bay Smith was able to go from a rotational defensive lineman to beating out William Gholston for the starting defensive end position. Under Lovie Smith's Tampa 2 system Smith has recorded 17 combined tackles, 13 solo tackles, 6.5 sacks, and 1 forced fumble for the 2014 season in only 8 starts. On November 1, 2015, Smith left with an ankle injury in Week 8's matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. On November 6, 2015, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ruled Smith out for Week 9's matchup against the New York Giants. On November 13, 2015, the Buccaneers ruled Smith out for Week 10's matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. On November 22, 2015, Smith was cleared to play in Week 11's matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. On December 4, 2015, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ruled Smith out for Week 13's matchup against the Atlanta Falcons due to a hamstring injury. On September 12, 2016, Smith was placed on injured reserve after he sustained a right knee injury in the season-opening win against the Atlanta Falcons. On October 5, 2017, Smith was released by the Buccaneers.
On October 18, 2017, Smith signed with the Detroit Lions. He was released on October 28, 2017 but was re-signed two days later. He was waived on November 14, 2017.
On November 5, 2018, Smith was signed by the Oakland Raiders. He played in three games before being placed on injured reserve on November 26, 2018 with an Achilles injury.
Smith was selected by the Seattle Dragons in the 2020 XFL Draft. He had his contract terminated when the league suspended operations on April 10, 2020.
