As junior safety Van Smith parts ways with Clemson University and begins to prepare for the 2018 NFL Draft, he is leaving behind a successful collegiate career in hopes of finding continued success in the National Football League.

During his time as a Tiger, Smith had a total of 190 tackles, eight tackles for loss and four interceptions for 165 yards. In 2017, his last season as a Tiger, Smith had one interception, 60 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss.

“I just want to say thank you to Clemson University and community for all of the support, Smith said. “It has been a great three-year journey.”

The Charlotte native ranks eighth in Clemson history in interception return yards and ninth in takeaway return yards (165).

Although several people were surprised to hear that Smith was forgoing his senior year, he had a solid three seasons at Clemson as a starter for special teams and was a big contributor to the Tigers’ 2016 National Championship. Smith was also named second-team All-ACC that year.

Even though he was not at Clemson long, Smith had the opportunity to be a part of three ACC Championships, three College Football Playoff appearances and one National Championship in just three short seasons.

“The day I committed, I knew Clemson was the place that would help me grow into a man and not just a football player,” he said.

None of those accomplishments would have been possible without the guidance from his coaches and the support of the Clemson community and Smith was quick to give credit to both for helping him through every experience he had.

“Thanks to all of the coaches that kept me going through my ups and downs,” Smith said. “Again, I just want to say thank you to the coaches, Clemson Football and the whole Clemson community.”