Former Boilermaker Kyle Smith is in his third season as a graduate assistant and his first with on-field coaching responsibilities. He works with the offense, specifically the tight ends.
In 2009, Smith was the Boilermakers[apos] quality control graduate assistant. He worked with all phases of the game (offense, defense and special teams), aiding in film breakdown and playbook production. He also aided the academic support staff.
Smith returned to Purdue from Hofstra University, where he served as assistant defensive backs coach during the 2008 season. He was an assistant coach at Deer Park High School on Long Island from January 2006 through January 2007, working with the defensive backs, wide receivers and special teams.
Smith played at Purdue from 2001 to 2005. He received the team[apos]s Verle H. Campbell Scout Team Award for offense as a walkon scout team quarterback in 2001 and was awarded a scholarship by former head coach Joe Tiller in January of 2002. Smith subsequently moved to safety during training camp in 2003 and also handled PAT/field goal holding responsibilities for the balance of his career. In 41 career games (18 starts), Smith recorded 111 tackles (68 solo, 43 assists) with six pass breakups, two interceptions and two forced fumbles.
As a junior, Smith received the team[apos]s Leonard Wilson Award for unselfishness and dedication after starting all 12 games. He ranked third on the Boilermakers with 76 tackles and was tied for ninth in the Big Ten with two forced fumbles.
Prior to going to Hofstra, Smith served as a technical recruiter for TEKsystems from February 2007 through February 2008.
A native of West Babylon, N.Y., Smith (born May 10, 1983) earned a bachelor's degree in law and society.