Junior Smith

Wardell "Junior" Smith (born April 18, 1973) is an American former football running back. He played college football for the East Carolina Pirates, and professionally for the Shreveport Pirates of the Canadian Football League (CFL).

Early life Wardell Smith was born on April 18, 1973. Smith was not heavily recruited by major schools coming out of high school. His 3,745 rushing yards were a school record.

Professional career Smith signed with the Shreveport Pirates of the Canadian Football League (CFL) after going undrafted in the 1995 NFL draft. He dressed in 13 games for the Pirates during the 1995 season, recording 55 carries for 246 yards and one touchdown, 13 catches for 107 yards, 15 special teams tackles, one defensive tackle, and three fumble recoveries (one of which he returned for a touchdown). The Pirates folded after the season.

On March 7, 1996, Smith was selected by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL in a dispersal draft. However, he was later released.

Post-playing career Smith was a graduate assistant in ECU's Athletic Student Development Office in 1997. He was the running backs coach for the Illinois State Redbirds from 1998 to 1999, the Army Black Knights from 2000 to 2003, the Louisiana–Monroe Warhawks in 2004, and the East Carolina Pirates from 2005 to 2009.