Kobe Smith tabbed as finalist for SEC's Brad Davis Post-Graduate Scholarship
Kobe Smith hopes to continue his career as a football player in the NFL, and even though he has his degree from South Carolina, he may not be done with his education. Smith is a finalist for the SEC’s Brad Davis Community Service Post-Graduate Scholarship, which recognizes a recent graduate’s work, service and academic achievements in addition to what they’ve done on the field/arena.
In addition to being the “glue” on the defensive line, where he started 11 games last year, Smith also made his presence known beyond opponents’ backfields by working in the community through volunteer work, which involved a lot of interaction with children.
“You always have to give back because there are always people who are less fortunate and don’t get things that everyone else gets,” Smith said. “It’s great to have somebody look up to you. I like to play around with kids and just talk to them.”
The Gamecock football team takes part in the Pigskin Poets program every year, which is coordinated with the Richland County Library. The student-athletes take time to read to area youngsters while also instilling the importance of reading in their future. Smith also enjoyed a daily internship with the Richland County Library.
“I did a community outreach internship with the library where we’d go out to different parts of Columbia and read books or give out books to kids,” Smith said. “It was pretty fun. We also went to some schools to read and play with them. It was fun and it was uplifting.”
“What I’ll miss the most is playing in Williams-Bice Stadium and the atmosphere when the chills run through your body in pregame.”
He and his teammates also spent time in the community by helping serve meals for the homeless. In the classroom, Smith was a three-time member of the SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll and Athletics Director’s Honor Roll and earned his degree in Sport and Entertainment Management last December.
“Getting my degree meant a lot,” Smith said. “I put in a lot of hard work in the classroom. Time management was the hardest thing in college with practices, study halls, and going to class. I had to manage my time wisely and know when it was time to get the work done. The Dodie (Anderson Academic Enrichment Center) really helped me a lot with that, especially (Learning Specialist) Nick Mazur.”
Smith recently signed as a free agent with the NFL’s Tennessee Titans, and while he is focused on beginning his professional career, he still has education on his mind.
“I’m not really sure what I want to do yet but going back to school is definitely one of the things I’ve been thinking about,” Smith said. “Right now, I’d have to do it in the offseason.
“After football, I’ve been thinking about going into marketing or maybe even coach. I’m not sure yet.”
Smith interned with the Athletics Marketing Department last summer after getting involved with the Beyond Sports Professional Development and Summer Internship Program.
As he prepares to transition to the NFL, Smith has fond memories of his time in the Garnet and Black.
“The Georgia game last year stands out, and the Missouri game where it was pouring down rain was fun,” Smith recalled. “What I’ll miss the most is playing in Williams-Bice Stadium and the atmosphere when the chills run through your body in pregame.”
Each of the SEC’s 14 schools nominates a male and female finalist for the Brad Davis Community Service Post-Graduate Scholarship, which guarantees they will receive assistance to apply to their post-graduate studies. One male and one female Davis Award finalist each receive a $10,000 post-graduate scholarship, provided by the SEC. The 26 remaining male and female finalists for the award receive a $5,000 post-graduate scholarship.
The SEC Community Service Post-Graduate Scholarship was named for former Associate Commissioner Brad Davis, who succumbed to cancer on March 2, 2006. The award recipients are chosen by a committee of Faculty Athletics Representatives from the 14 SEC institutions.
