2009 Outlook
P.J. Smith was one of the breakout players on the Nebraska defense during spring ball and he will head into the 2009 campaign hopeful of pushing for playing time in the secondary. The 6-2, 210-pound redshirt freshman will enter fall camp as a backup behind senior returning starter Larry Asante at strong safety. Smith was impressive in his scout-team efforts in 2008, and brings good size and athleticism to the defensive backfield.

2008 (Redshirt)
Smith redshirted in his first season and worked on the scout team.

Before Nebraska (John Curtis HS)
Smith joined the Husker program from Louisiana prep powerhouse John Curtis High School in River Ridge. Smith was a four-year starter for Coach J.T. Curtis and helped the school to Class 2A state titles each of his final three seasons of high school.

Smith earned first-team all-state honors in 2007 and was a member of the Baton Rouge Advocate’s Louisiana "Super Dozen". Smith made 85 tackles, added four interceptions and forced a pair of fumbles for a 12-2 state championship team in 2007. Smith also saw action at receiver and caught a pair of touchdown passes.

Smith was a two-way standout during his junior season. On defense, Smith made 28 tackles, had three interceptions and broke up 14 passes. Offensively, his 10 receptions covered 124 yards, including three touchdown catches. Smith was regarded as one of the top 15 players in Louisiana by Rivals.com and among the top 50 safeties in the country by the recruiting service.

He was also a four-year starter in basketball and led his team in scoring and rebounding. Smith chose Nebraska after also visiting Arkansas, Baylor and Southern Miss.

Personal
Kentrill (P.J.) Smith is the son of Richard and Darlisa Smith and was born on April 28, 1989. He has not declared a major. Smith has volunteered as an FCA Outreach speaker.