ELF: Wroclaw Panthers sign All-American DB Artevius Smith

| American Football | 12/03/2022

The Wroclaw Panthers of the European League of Football have signed their second American import in former NCAA All-American defensive back Artevius Smith.

Former Panthers head coach and the current club Sports Director Jakub Samel is thrilled to have Smith aboard:

“Artevius is a versatile player in the third line of defense. On his tape, you can see not only great plays against the passing game of rivals, but also heavy hits against the running game. His winning nature and work ethic will fit in perfectly with our team”

The 5’10”, 180-pound safety takes his career to the international level following a standout career at East Tennesse State University (NCAA DI FCS). The Birmingham, Alabama native earned All-American honors his senior year in 2019 as he racked up 89 tackles, five interceptions and two forced fumbles. During his junior year, he made 30 tackles and two interceptions, after playing primarily on special teams his sophomore season.

The now 25-year-old could bring versatility to head coach Dave Christensen’s team as he played running back and kick return as a freshman at ETSU. During that season he made four catches for 35 yards, rushed for 57 yards, and also returned kicks.

Following his collegiate career Smith played two seasons for the Omaha Beef of the CIF Indoor Football League. In 2022 he made 30 tackles and one interception for the Beef, the season prior he made 23 tackles and one tackle for loss.

Smith joins newly signed edge defender, Solomon Brown, as the Panthers have signed their two Americans on defense. This week the Panthers also announced the return of domestic talents Andrei Karmakskikh, Gregzorz Lary, Alex Powar, Syzmon Romanowski, Januz Halicki, and Piotre Ostrowski bolstering defensive coordinator Dave Likins defense.

Watch Smith’s NCAA Highlights

Alex is a former NCAA and semi-pro American football player who is now located in London, where he works in digital marketing. His goal in writing for AFI is to stay involved with the game that has given him so much. Alex enjoys covering leagues and