Geno Smith: Broken jaw| Where did play college football

Geno Smith: Broken Jaw | Where Did He Play College Football

Geno Smith is a name well known in the NFL for his ups and downs, his perseverance, and his sudden ascents. Two topics often come up when discussing Smith’s journey: the infamous broken jaw incident in 2015, and where he played college football. This article delves into both: the story and impact of the broken jaw, and a detailed look at his college career, stats, honours, and how that shaped his professional trajectory.

Table of Contents

1. Early Life & High School

2. College Career at West Virginia University

   • Freshman Year

   • Sophomore and Junior Years

   • Senior Year & Records

3. The Broken Jaw Incident

   • What Happened

   • Aftermath & Recovery

   • Impact on His Career

4. NFL Career Snapshot

   • Entry Into NFL

   • Professional Achievements

5. Legacy & Lessons Learned

6. FAQs

1. Early Life & High School

Geno Smith was born and raised in Miramar, Florida. He attended Miramar High School, where he distinguished himself as a quarterback. In his senior year, Smith threw for 3,089 passing yards and 30 touchdowns, leading his team deep into the Florida high school playoffs. His performances earned him First-Team All-State honors.

These accomplishments made him a sought-after recruit, and West Virginia University recognized his potential. He accepted a scholarship to play for the West Virginia Mountaineers and began his college football journey in 2009.

2. College Career at West Virginia University

Geno Smith played for West Virginia University (WVU) from 2009 to 2012. Over these four seasons, he evolved from a backup quarterback into one of the most prolific passers in school history.

Here’s a breakdown of each phase:

Freshman Year (2009)

• In 2009, Geno was primarily the backup quarterback behind Jarrett Brown.

• He saw his first regular-season action against Auburn, completing 5 of 8 passes for 50 yards and throwing one interception.

• Other appearances included games against Syracuse, Marshall, Louisville, and the Gator Bowl versus Florida State.

• His totals for 2009: 32 completions on 49 attempts, 309 passing yards, one touchdown, one interception. Also contributed some rushing attempts.

Sophomore & Junior Years (2010-2011)

• As a sophomore in 2010, he became the starter. He threw for approximately 2,763 yards, with 24 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. His efficiency was strong, and he added ground yardage from rushing plays.

• In his junior year (2011), under new offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen’s pass-heavy system, Smith’s stats jumped significantly. He had games with over 300 passing yards multiple times. He set school single-season records in completions, attempts, and passing yards (against previous record holders like Marc Bulger). Notably, in a game vs LSU he threw for 463 yards.

Senior Year & Records (2012)

• In his senior year, Smith continued to build on previous success. He threw for over 4,300 yards, including 42 touchdown passes. His total offensive records grew. He was also MVP of the 2012 Orange Bowl, where he tied or broke multiple bowl game records, including most touchdown passes, total yards, and total points. This game saw him amass 401 passing yards, broken into a standout performance.

• By the end of his college career, Smith had thrown 11,662 yards and 98 touchdowns against just 21 interceptions in 44 games (39 as a starter). He also added modest rushing statistics.

College Awards & Honors

• All-Big East First Team (2011) and Second Team (2010) selections.

• Big East Offensive Player of the Week multiple times.

• 2012 Orange Bowl MVP.

• Set WVU single-season and school record marks for passing yards, completions, and attempts.

3. The Broken Jaw Incident

One of the more dramatic and controversial moments in Geno Smith’s NFL career came in August 2015, during his time with the New York Jets. This incident involving a broken jaw had a significant impact on him personally and professionally. Let’s explore what happened, the fallout, and how he recovered.

What Happened

• On August 11, 2015, during a Jets training camp period, Geno Smith was unexpectedly punched in the face by his teammate, linebacker IK Enemkpali, in the locker room.

• The reason behind the altercation reportedly involved a dispute over $600. Enemkpali had allegedly purchased plane fare for Smith to attend his youth football camp; when Smith didn’t attend (due to personal reasons), Enemkpali asked for reimbursement. According to reports, Smith said he would repay but the money had not yet been paid at the time of the incident.

Aftermath & Recovery

• As a result of the punch, Smith’s jaw was broken in two places. He required surgery and was estimated to be out for 6-10 weeks.

• IK Enemkpali was immediately released by the Jets.

• Media coverage was intense; the incident highlighted issues of locker room conduct, athlete accountability, and the vulnerability of players even off the field.

Impact on His Career

• The timing was particularly bad for Smith: he was poised to compete for and possibly secure the starting quarterback job for the Jets. The injury forced him to miss the opportunity, allowing other quarterbacks (notably Ryan Fitzpatrick) to step in.

• The broken jaw not only caused a physical setback but interrupted momentum, influencing perceptions among coaches, media, and perhaps even affecting Smith’s confidence and continuity.

4. NFL Career Snapshot

Having established where Geno Smith played college ball and how the broken jaw fit into his narrative, here is a brief summary of his professional career, and how his experiences—including the injury—shaped it.

• Geno Smith was drafted by the New York Jets in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft.

• His rookie season showed promise, but inconsistency followed; turnovers were issues in early years.

• After the 2015 jaw injury, Smith spent time as a backup with various teams: Jets, New York Giants, Los Angeles Chargers. Eventually, he ended up with the Seattle Seahawks, first as backup and later earning more prominent playing time.

• Over time, Smith has had moments of resurgence, showing leadership, composure, and improved performance, especially after having to overcome setbacks.

5. Legacy & Lessons Learned

Geno Smith’s journey is one full of lessons:

1. Resilience in adversity: The broken jaw was a major setback, but he didn’t let it define the rest of his career. The ability to bounce back matters.

2. Importance of college development: His time at West Virginia, under changing coaching staffs and offensive schemes, helped him grow into a high-performing QB, prepared for the complexities of pro football.

3. Impact of off-field incidents: While the incident was on-field locker room, it shows how non-game situations can affect playing time, reputation, and professional opportunities.

4. Momentum matters: Injuries or interruptions at critical career junctures can shift trajectories. Smith’s broken jaw came when he was close to securing more stability; others stepped into that void.

6. FAQs

Q1: When did Geno Smith suffer a broken jaw, and who caused it?
A1: On August 11, 2015, Geno Smith’s jaw was broken in two places by linebacker IK Enemkpali during a locker room altercation. The cause was reportedly a dispute over $600.

Q2: How long was Geno Smith out because of the broken jaw?
A2: It was estimated he would be out 6 to 10 weeks, as he required surgery and recovery time.

Q3: Where did Geno Smith play college football?
A3: Geno Smith played college football at West Virginia University, as the quarterback for the Mountaineers from 2009 to 2012.

Q4: What were some of Geno Smith’s college statistics and achievements?
A4: He accumulated 11,662 passing yards and 98 touchdowns vs. 21 interceptions in 44 games. Senior season included over 4,300 yards and 42 touchdowns. He was Orange Bowl MVP, All-Big East First Team (2011), and set school records in passing completions, attempts, and yards among others.

Q5: Did the broken jaw permanently affect his chances as starting QB in the NFL?
A5: While the injury was a serious setback and affected his immediate opportunity with the Jets, it did not end his career. He recovered, played for multiple teams, and eventually found success, though many commentators believe it shifted the momentum in his early career.

Conclusion

Geno Smith’s story is a rich tapestry woven from college success, professional challenges, and moments of adversity like the broken jaw incident. His college career at West Virginia laid a foundation of performance and records that set expectations high. The broken jaw in 2015 was a detour — but not an end — in his path. For fans, analysts, and young quarterbacks alike, there’s value in studying both the triumphs and the trials of his journey.

Whether you are interested in how athletes rebound from injury, how college performance translates (or doesn’t) to the pro level, or just the defining moments of NFL players’ careers, Geno Smith offers a compelling case.