09-05-2025
Jets sign rookie from HBCU with history of NFL success
The New York Jets made a pickup in the hours following the 2025 NFL Draft that may pay dividends moving forward if history repeats itself. The Jets invited South Carolina State linebacker Aaron Smith to their minicamp and have signed him to a free agent deal.
Aaron Smith, standing at 6'2″ and weighing 226 lbs, was a standout at SCSU, earning First Team All-MEAC honors in 2024. His senior season included 95 tackles and 8.5 tackles for loss. Known for his instinctive play and coverage abilities, Smith showcased his skills at the 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl. While concerns about his size and occasional over-pursuit exist, his college production and football IQ suggest he has the tools to develop into a reliable NFL contributor for the New York Jets.
Here are just a handful of talented defenders from South Carolina State who have become key players and contributors with NFL teams over the years.
1. Deacon Jones (DE)
NFL Teams: Los Angeles Rams, San Diego Chargers, Washington RedskinsCareer Highlights: 8× Pro Bowl, 5× First-team All-Pro, 2× NFL Defensive Player of the YearLegacy: Coined the term 'sack' and is considered one of the greatest defensive ends in NFL history. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1980.
2. Harry Carson (LB)
NFL Team: New York GiantsCareer Highlights: 9× Pro Bowl, Super Bowl XXI ChampionLegacy: Anchored the Giants' defense for over a decade and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006.
3. Shaquille Leonard (LB)
NFL Teams: Indianapolis Colts, Philadelphia EaglesCareer Highlights: NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (2018), 3× First-team All-ProLegacy: Known for his high-energy play and leadership, Leonard quickly became one of the league's top linebackers after being drafted in the second round.
4. Barney Chavous (DE)
NFL Team: Denver BroncosCareer Highlights: Played 13 seasons with the Broncos, amassing 75 sacksLegacy: A consistent and durable presence on the Broncos' defensive line throughout the 1970s and early 1980s.
5. DeCobie Durant (DB)
NFL Team: Los Angeles RamsCareer Highlights: Drafted in the 4th round of the 2022 NFL DraftLegacy: Emerging talent in the Rams' secondary, known for his ball-hawking skills and versatility.
6. Donnie Shell (DB)
NFL Team: Pittsburgh SteelersCareer Highlights: 4× Super Bowl Champion, 5× Pro Bowl, 3× First-team All-ProLegacy: Undrafted out of SCSU, Shell became one of the most feared safeties of the 1970s and 1980s as part of the Steelers' "Steel Curtain" defense. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020.
7. Dwayne Harper (CB)
NFL Teams: Seattle Seahawks, San Diego ChargersCareer Highlights: Started in Super Bowl XXIX with the ChargersLegacy: Harper had a 12-year NFL career and was known for his toughness and consistent play, earning a reputation as a reliable cornerback.
8. Robert Porcher (DE)
NFL Team: Detroit LionsCareer Highlights: 3× Pro Bowl, 95.5 career sacksLegacy: Though he transferred to Tennessee State to finish his college career, Porcher began at South Carolina State and still represents the Bulldog pipeline. He became one of the most productive pass rushers in Lions history.
9. Javon Hargrave (DT)
NFL Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ersCareer Highlights: Super Bowl LVII appearance, major free agent contract in 2023Legacy: Hargrave dominated at SCSU before becoming one of the top interior defensive linemen in the NFL, known for his quickness and strength.
10. Marshall McFadden (LB)
NFL Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers, Oakland RaidersCareer Highlights: Special teams contributor and rotational linebackerLegacy: McFadden went undrafted in 2009, yet carved out multiple seasons in the NFL, proving that Bulldogs defenders can beat the odds.
Only time will tell if the New York Jets have hit on another diamond in the rough from this HBCU. But history says there is a pretty good chance.
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