Lamar University Athletics

Johnny Ray Smith was a four-year letterwinner on the Lamar University football team from 1977 through 1980. He earned first team All-Southland Conference honors in 1980 and was a second-team selection in 1977.

In addition to being an outstanding defensive back for LU, Smith was one of the best return men in school history. At the time of his induction, he ranked second all-time in Lamar University history in kickoff return yardage with 1,147 yards on 42 returns with two touchdowns. He ranked third all-time in punt-return yardage with 40 yards on 59 returns with one touchdown. He set a school record for career combined return yardage with 1,587 yards. His 101 total returns also set a school career record.

Smith’s 93-yard kickoff return for a touchdowns against Stephen F. Austin in 1978 ranked as the second-longest kickoff return in school history at the time of his induction. Smith also had an 85-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against Baylor in 1980. He had an 80-yard punt return for a touchdown against Louisiana-Monroe in 1979.

Smith was named LU’s Outstanding Defensive Back in 1979 after finishing among the national leaders in interceptions with six. He had two career interception returns for touchdowns, a 64-yarder against McNeese State in 1977 and a 42-yarder against Louisiana-Monroe in 1979.

Smith also ran on the Lamar University track and field team, earning All-Southland Conference honors in the 100 meters in 1980. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 1981 NFL Draft and played two seasons for the Bucs and onefor the San Diego Chargers.