Ryan Smith - Football Coach - James Madison University Athletics

Ryan Smith

Title:
Safeties/Pro Scout Liaison
Email:
smit27rm@jmu.edu
Phone:
540-568-6517

Ryan Smith was hired on Dec. 17, 2018, as an assistant coach with the James Madison University football program, working primarily with the safeties. He additionally served as the team's pro scout liaison.

In his first season with the Dukes, both of his starting safeties earned First Team All-CAA status in Adam Smith and D’Angelo Amos. Smith later earned Third Team All-America accolades, while Amos earned All-America honors for his punt-return duties.

JMU’s safeties record 11 of JMU’s league-leading 17 interceptions in 2019. Smith led the Dukes with six interceptions, which was fourth nationally and second in the CAA. He was ninth in passes defended, adding 10 pass breakups to his season ledger. Amos also had a pair of interceptions while blocking three kicks on special teams, good for second in the FCS.

His position group aided in JMU ranking third nationally in scoring defense (15.7), first in total defense (270.2) and first-down defense (14.56), third on third down (30%) and seventh in interceptions.

Smith came to JMU following two seasons at Elon, where he also led the defensive backfield for the Phoenix.

The unit saw improvements from 2017 to 2018, as the defensive backs accounted for 12 of the team’s 13 interceptions in 2018, which was two better than the 10 they intercepted the season prior. The group also broke up 31 passes in his second season, one better than the 30 they achieved in 2017.

He guided two players to All-CAA status in 2018 in Greg Liggs, Jr., who was a Second Team member, and Tyler Campbell, who was a Third Team selection. Liggs, as well and Connor Christiansen were two of the league’s best defensive backs, as the duo were tied for third in the CAA with four interceptions apiece. Liggs was also third in passes defended (13) and tied for fourth in fumble recoveries (2). He additionally led Chris Blair to Third Team All-CAA accolades in 2017.

Prior to Elon, Smith spent two seasons at Penn State, serving as a defensive graduate assistant. At PSU, Smith was part of a Nittany Lion squad that won the 2016 Big Ten Championship, earned a berth in the Rose Bowl and finished 11-3 overall. Penn State’s defense picked off 10 passes and broke up 60 more in 2015. During his time in University Park, Pa., he helped develop three NFL players in 2016 Miami Dolphins draft pick Jordan Lucas, 2018 Pittsburgh Steelers draft pick Marcus Allen and current Los Angeles Charger Trevor Williams.

Before heading to Penn State, Smith was a defensive GA at the University of Texas at San Antonio for the 2014 season.

A 2014 graduate of the College of William & Mary, Smith helped the Tribe to a 2009 FCS semifinals appearance. As a senior, Smith tallied 47 tackles, one sack and one interception at cornerback. Smith was a two-time CAA Academic All-Conference honoree. He earned his bachelor’s degree in process management from the College of William and Mary and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Penn State University.