THE FRESHMAN PATRICK CHEEKS SMITH
Updated: Jul 26, 2022
I guess you can say this is a coming-of-age story for Patrick Smith. On Halloween Eve, the Atlantic City native started his first game for the Vanderbilt Commodores against the Missouri Tigers. Even though the final score didn't end up the way that “Cheeks” - a nickname that was given to him by his family - envisioned, he was able to show he belongs on the SEC stage. “I was truly shocked that it finally happened. It didn’t hit me until after the game. Realizing that I had scored my first collegiate touchdown!” Patrick states that was something he’s dreamt about as a kid coming to fruition. Smith finished with 17 carries and 95 yards on the ground and a touchdown. He also caught four passes out of the backfield for another 20 yards. Needless to say, the SEC has been put on notice by the young Commodore “Cheeks.” We look forward to seeing what he does going forward with his newfound opportunity on Saturdays down.