How tears of frustration turned to joy in Memphis football commit Marshall Smith Jr.'s journey

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From the moment Marshall Smith Jr. was a toddler, he loved being outside.

At two years old, he looked forward to every morning when he would accompany his maternal grandmother, Deloris, on two and three-mile walks.

"When he knew it was time to come back in, he would up a fuss because he wanted to stay outside and go walking," Marshall Smith's mother, Central Burks said.

His affinity for outside grew as football entered the picture at 8 years old. But initially, Burks didn't know much about football and refrained from putting him on a team. Smith was upset and cried over it, and the tears weren't for a day or two.

"He cried to play football for an entire year," Burks said. "(When) we would be on our way home, he would see other kids practicing or playing at the park. He would look out of the window, and he would cry to play football."

Little did Burks know that enrolling him in little league football would later lead Smith to cementing himself as a gifted defensive lineman in Tennessee.

Smith is No. 9 on The Commercial Appeal's 2025 Dandy Dozen list, a collection of the top college football prospects from the 2026 class in the Memphis area as selected by the newspaper.

The 6-foot-5, 245 pound senior is a three-star recruit and is the No. 26 prospect in Tennessee and No. 105 defensive lineman nationally, according to 247Sports Composite. He committed to Memphis football on June 21 with offers from UNLV, Mississippi State and Middle Tennessee among others.

Smith's first moments on the field "was so organic", according to Burks. He had size, athleticism and a keen awareness for the ball.

"It was like God told me, 'This is his gift,'" Burks said. "He would be the one who would get a lot of interceptions when he played in the little league because he already knew where the ball was going."

Smith began to incorporate creativity in his play-making by trying new ways to approach each down. It was Smith building on that innate skill.

"Sometimes in games, I'll think of something before the play happens, (and) I've never tried it before," Smith said. "'So, I'll try it now.' Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't."

Smith's talent grew when he transferred to Collierville before the 2024 season. He contributed to Collierville's defense with 21 tackles, 16 assisted and five solo, and two sacks last season.

Smith added value on offense as a tight end, scoring two touchdowns as Collierville coach Joe Rocconi recognized that Smith could play "most positions as a wide receiver" which is uncommon for someone of his stature.

"He'll get tight end reps, receiver reps and then boom he'll sprint over, and he's getting defensive line reps," Rocconi said. "He seems to be doing it with a smile on his face and enjoying every minute of it."

Following his senior season, Marshall looks forward to playing collegiately at Memphis. He described it as if he "felt like I (he) was already on the team."

"I chose Memphis as soon as I got on campus," Smith said. "I saw the love that they were giving me. What stood out to me was not the buildings or the fancy stuff (but) the people inside the building and that's what I care about."

Throughout his football journey, Smith's family has played an instrumental part in his life. It's been a "continuous village" when it comes to raising him, Burks said.

"It's been hard times for sure, and I just want to repay and thank everyone who's helped me throughout my way when I get older," Smith said. "I want to do that for my family."