In Play Magazine
Allen Park, Mich.— The Detroit Lions officially confirmed today that they have acquired CB Alphonso Smith from the Denver Broncos in exchange for TE Dan Gronkowski. The teams also exchanged undisclosed 2011 draft picks. Additionally, the Lions claimed LB Spencer Havner (Green Bay) and WR Stefan Logan (Pittsburgh) off waivers.
Bio
2009: Selected by the Broncos in the second round (37th overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft, Smith appeared in 15 games as a rookie and totaled 11 tackles (7 solo) and 3 pass defenses.
Had the second-most punt returns (10-47) among Broncos and added four kickoff returns for 75 yards (18.8 avg.). Added 3 special-teams tackles.
Totaled 5 tackles (4 solo) and one pass defensed in his NFL debut during the Broncos’ season opener at Cincinnati (9/13).
Missed his only game of the year vs. Dal. (10/4).
COLLEGE
Played 51 career games (40 starts) at Wake Forest University, totaling 189 tackles (153 solo), 9.0 sacks (59 yards), an Atlantic Coast Conference-record 21 interceptions (254 yds.) and 61 pass defenses. Also posted 5 career blocked punts. Finished his career ranked 10th in NCAA history (all levels) with 21 interceptions.
•Started all 13 games as a senior for Wake Forest, totaling 37 tackles (28 solo), 7 interceptions (33 yards), 20 pass defenses and 2 forced fumbles. Tied for first in the nation in both interceptions (7) and pass breakups (20).
•Twice earned first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors at Wake Forest University, where he totaled 21 career interceptions that ranked 10th in NCAA history (all levels) and represented a conference record.
•Led the nation with 15 interceptions during his final two years at Wake Forest, recording seven interceptions as a senior in 2008 that tied for the most in the country after sharing the national lead with a school-record eight interceptions as a junior in 2007.
•Received numerous All-America honors and was one of five finalists for the Bronko Nagurski Award (nation’s best defensive player) as a senior in 2008.
PERSONAL
Smith played quarterback and defensive back at Pahokee High School in Pahokee, Fla., finishing his prep career as the runner-up for the state Player of the Year award as a senior after leading the Blue Devils to a 13-1 record and the Class 2B state championship.
•Earned first-team all-state honors as a senior cornerback, totaling 27 tackles, 4 interceptions and a sack.
•Threw for 2,400 yards and 32 touchdowns while also rushing for 640 yards and six scores as a senior.
•Played in the Palm Beach All-Star Game.
•Lettered in basketball.
•Is a graduate of the National Football Foundation’s Play It Smart program.
•Majored in history at Wake Forest.
•Son of Sharon Smith and Alphonso Smith Sr.
