MAC Champion QB Aveon Smith Signs With HBCU

Aveon Smith made his mark with the Miami RedHawks in the first chapter of his college career. This season, Smith stepped in for an injured Brett Gabbert and led Miami to their first Mid-American Conference title since 2019. Gabbert is expected to regain his starting job in 2024, provided his broken leg heals properly

After entering the transfer portal, Smith's college career will continue in the FCS with the Alabama A&M Bulldogs.

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The Bulldogs are members of the Southwest Athletic Conference, who went 5-6 in 2023. Alabama A&M announced 13 signings between Wednesday and Thursday, the first two days of the Early Signing Period. Smith was the only quarterback in the Bulldogs class. 

Last season with Miami, Smith completed 48 of 96 passing attempts for 638 yards, with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Smith's real utility came in the running game. He carried the ball 75 times for 280 yards, with one touchdown. He led the RedHawks to five straight victories, including the MAC title game, before the entered the portal and missed their bowl game.

As a junior in 2022, Smith also made several appearances in place of Gabbert. He was 5-4 as a starter for the RedHawks that season. He finished with 1,299 yards passing and 11 touchdowns, while adding 553 yards and six scores on the ground that season. 

Smith, a South Carolina native, will have two years of eligibility remaining with the Bulldogs.