Harry “Black Jack” Smith sets the standard for offensive line play, dominating the trenches to lead the USC Trojans to back-to-back Rose Bowl victories and a national championship.
Football Bio
August 26, 1918 – Harry Smith was born on this day.
He was another great USC guard who was enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame.
“Black Jack” Smith, as he was called, earned All-American honors in 1938 and 1939.
The USC squad also defeated Notre Dame in both seasons.
The 1939 season culminated with a 14-0 blanking of the University of Tennessee in the Rose Bowl to give the undefeated Trojans the national championship. [NFF]
Conclusion
Harry Smith cements his legacy as one of the most formidable linemen in college football history. His fierce blocking and physical dominance drive USC to the absolute pinnacle of the sport during the late 1930s. After leaving his mark on the field, Smith transitioned into a successful coaching career, proving that his deep understanding of gridiron strategy translates easily to the sidelines.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1955.
- National Champion: Anchored the offensive line for the 1939 USC national title team.
- 2Γ All-American: Earned First-Team honors in 1938 and Unanimous All-American honors in 1939.
- 2Γ Rose Bowl Champion: Helped lead the Trojans to Rose Bowl victories over Duke (1938 season) and Tennessee (1939 season).
- NFL Pro Bowler: Drafted by the Detroit Lions in 1940 and earned Pro Bowl honors during his rookie season.
- Coaching Career: Served as an assistant coach for both Missouri and USC, and later became the head coach of the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders in 1951.
- Multiple Hall of Fame Inductions: Also enshrined in the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame (1974) and the USC Athletic Hall of Fame (1999).
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