From Manning to the Meadowlands: Aaron "Boog" Smith fulfills NFL dream with the Jets

When the call finally came, Aaron “Boog” Smith could hardly put the moment into words.

Standing in Sumter, surrounded by family, the former Manning High School and South Carolina State University linebacker learned he had been picked up by the New York Jets as a free agent following the NFL Draft.

“It just was fulfilling, you know?” Smith said. “To get a call from an organization that actually wants me — it felt good. I’m just blessed for the opportunity.”

Smith’s journey to the NFL is a testament to perseverance, faith, and hard work — a path that began later than most. He didn’t start playing organized football until ninth grade, when he finally had the opportunity to try out at Manning High School.

“I’d been wanting to play, but some things at home made it hard at first,” Smith said. “When I finally got the chance, it was rough. I wasn’t athletic right away. I really had to work and build myself up. But God carried me through it.”

That work ethic carried Smith to South Carolina State, where earning a scholarship became one of his proudest early achievements.

“Signing with S.C. State was probably my proudest moment,” Smith said. “Getting a degree fully paid for while playing football and pursuing my dreams — that meant everything.”

At S.C. State, Smith blossomed into a star. His senior season saw him lead the team and the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) with 95 tackles, adding 8.5 tackles for loss, an interception, and a forced fumble. He capped his collegiate career with a standout performance in the Cricket Celebration Bowl, tallying a career-high 17 tackles on the national stage.

Smith credits his final college season to a shift in mindset as much as skill.

“I think mentally, I grew up,” he said. “I started diving deeper into my faith, talking to people, really looking into myself. That gave me confidence — not just in football, but in life.”

Despite his success, Smith knew coming from a smaller school meant he might be overlooked.

“I knew I had to prove myself, but I didn’t put pressure on myself,” he said. “I just focused on doing what I needed to do. I knew when they turned on the film, they’d see it.”

And they did.

While scouting reports pointed to areas of improvement — like block shedding and play recognition — evaluators also noted Smith’s explosiveness and sideline-to-sideline speed.

“I feel like Combine numbers matter, but when you cut the tape on, you see me flying around,” Smith said. “You see me making plays in the backfield. I think that’s what teams saw.”

Smith is eager to bring that energy to special teams, a critical role for rookies trying to carve out a roster spot. He’s already had conversations with the Jets’ special teams coach and linebacker coach, and he’s clear about his approach.

“Whatever the team needs me to do, I’m ready,” Smith said. “Special teams, defense — I want it all. I’m coming in with my hard hat on, ready to work.”

His immediate goal is simple: make the 53-man roster.

“I got one goal right now — that’s make the 53,” Smith said with a smile.

And yes, “Boog” is coming with him to New York. The nickname, which started as “A Boogie” from high school coaches, has stuck ever since.

Even as he prepares to chase new dreams in the NFL, Smith remains grounded in the people and places that shaped him. He had a message for Manning, for S.C. State, and for everyone who supported him along the way.

“Deep down, wholeheartedly, I appreciate everything,” he said. “Thanks for always supporting me, pushing me, believing in me. Manning, S.C. State — y’all are real dear to my heart. I’m just thankful.”

As he steps onto the NFL stage, Aaron Smith carries not just his own hopes, but the pride of a community that always believed he could get there.