Oklahoma State University Athletics
Dylan Smith: Hungry for more
September 26, 2024 | Cowboy Football
STILLWATER -Â As the only true freshman to make a start last year for the Oklahoma State football team, Dylan Smith rose to the occasion then and is settling in for an even bigger role now.
The sophomore from Little Elm, Texas, graduated from Braswell High School, where he played both sides of the ball and was twice named to the all-district team. Less that a year after graduating high school, he was already making an impact in the Big 12.
Smith's best game of his first year came in some of Bedlam's biggest moments. He grabbed an interception on Oklahoma's opening drive of the second half, returning it for 26 yards, and tallied three solo tackles. One of them was the game-sealing fourth-down tackle on Oklahoma's final offensive play of the game.
"It was kind of crazy but coming in," Smith said. "I told myself to be ready for anything. You never know what could happen. I wanted to stay prepared for the moment, so I just applied that every day. I wanted to practice hard, build good habits so that way when my time did come, I was prepared."
Appearing in 10 games for the Cowboys in 2023, Smith tallied 21 total tackles and two interceptions. He mentioned how his rich experience as a true freshman is carrying over into this season.Â
"It's just getting more comfortable every week. I feel a lot better this year than I did last year just having those games under my belt," Smith said. "I gained some weight over the offseason, and that comfort, just believing in myself and knowing I can do it at this level."
Coming in as a cornerback and then moving to safety, Smith's size and speed allow him to play multiple positions.
"I pride myself on versatility, just being able to play anything. Anything they ask me to do, I'm willing to do," Smith said. "Last year, I was more of a cover guy, more on the outside. (This year) I moved into the 'rover' position, so it's more run-fits, more thinking with motions, and all of that. It gets more comfortable week by week."
Four games into the 2024 season, Smith has eight total tackles with seven solo stops. He recorded his first quarterback hit and pass breakup against Arkansas. Smith credits his success to the team's preparation.Â
"It's the way we prepare, Smith said. "We train our mindset every day. It doesn't matter the circumstance. It doesn't matter the heat. We're going to go out there and play, do our job and do what we have to do."
Dylan's older brother, Cam Smith, is also a starter on OSU's defense. Having a familiar face in Stillwater comforted Dylan with the college transition.Â
The bond doesn't stop on the field though. When Dylan and Cam are away from football, they still enjoy spending time together.Â
"(We) Watch a lot of Netflix. "Dylan Smith said. "We'll have some board game nights sometimes, play video games; NCAA, 2K, whatever that may be."
Their familiarity has made them better so far and will continue to be needed this season as the Smith brothers and the rest of the Cowboys travel to 23rd-ranked Kansas State this weekend.
