DQ Smith Looks to Take on Leadership Role
Senior defensive back DQ Smith has been a starter for most of his previous three seasons, but with seven starters gone from last year’s defense, Smith will take on more of a leadership role in 2025.
“With all that we lost, I feel like I have to set the example and try to be dominant and be more of a vocal leader as well,” Smith said.
Smith logged 164 tackles and four interceptions in his previous three seasons, but he’s not satisfied.
“I don’t see myself as having certain strengths because I feel like everything can be worked on,” Smith said. “I feel like I can get better at everything I do.”
The Gamecocks were in the conversation for the national playoff at the end of the regular season last year, and Smith wants them to get back to that level.
“We’re absolutely hungry for that,” Smith said. “We came up a little short last year, so we know what that feels like, and we don’t want to feel like that again. Team goals come first, and this is my last year, so I want to make the College Football Playoff. I want to win a national championship and win as many games as possible. I keep my personal goals to myself, but I just want to be the best that I can be on the field.”
Smith was also a successful quarterback at Columbia’s Spring Valley High School and that experience has helped him hone his skills on defense.
“As a quarterback, you had to know all the protections and where everyone is coming from,” Smith said. “It’s the same as a defensive back, especially at safety where you’re making all of the calls and knowing what everyone has to do on each play. It helps me out a lot and made it an easy transition.
“I love everything about what I do. I’ve played football since I was four years old. It’s always just felt natural.”
“It's my last year, and you always want to make your last one the best one.”
A Columbia native, Smith’s interest in South Carolina football grew immensely in high school, and he enjoyed watching his predecessors hone their skills and move on to the NFL.
When he’s not working to make himself and his team better, he loves playing video games, including the latest college football game.
“I play (NBA) 2K a lot, Madden (NFL Football), and the NCAA College Football game,” Smith said. “I’m not happy with my rating in the college football game, so I need to work hard to raise my rating this year!”
Smith is studying business, and plans to help out his family, whether it’s through a professional career in football and/or a career in business afterwards.
“My dad, Andre, has had the biggest impact on my life,” Smith said. “He’s in my corner all the time. He’s been there for everything I’ve ever done, and he taught me everything I know, whether it’s football or off the field.”
As the 2025 season approaches, Smith is looking forward to making the most of his opportunity to play in the Garnet and Black.
“I just want to make it a special year,” Smith said. “It’s my last year, and you always want to make your last one the best one. I’m going to go out there, continue to work, and have fun with the guys. I like making good relationships and remembering all the moments.”
