One of Coffee High School’s most talented athletes has passed away at the age of 59.
George Smith passed away on Saturday, October 7, 2023, following an extended illness. Smith graduated from Coffee High School in 1982. He was a member of the 1981 Trojans football team that went 12-2, ultimately losing 31-6 to Warner Robins in the state semi-finals. Smith was named First Team All State by the Atlanta Journal that year.
Statistics for Smith’s career at Coffee High have been lost over the years. However, according to a 1988 story in the Atlanta Constitution, Smith was named to the Parade All America team. He was also the #2 recruit in Georgia and the 10th ranked recruit in the country. Colleges across the country pursued Smith, setting off a ferocious recruiting war between the biggest hitters in college football. Ultimately, the University of Georgia won and Smith signed with the Bulldogs.
But his recruiting saga wasn’t over. Smith had been leaning toward Texas A&M, to the point that the Bulldogs’ coaching staff thought they would lose him to the Aggies. Georgia assistant coach Wayne McDuffie attended Smith’s scholarship signing on February 10, 1982. The next day, Smith changed his mind, according to the Atlanta Constitution, and wanted to attend Texas A&M. Georgia, however, would not release him from his scholarship.
That changed in June of 1982 when NCAA officials discovered that McDuffie’s visit to Douglas for the signing was his fourth trip to see Smith; NCAA rules allowed coaches three visits. The infraction cost Georgia three scholarships for the 1983 season. By the time the sanctions came down, McDuffie had left Georgia for the Atlanta Falcons. After the NCAA sanctioned the Bulldogs, Georgia released Smith from his scholarship and he signed with the Aggies.
Smith played for two seasons at Texas A&M. According to sports-reference.com, he played in 20 total games as a fullback during the 1982-1983 seasons. He had 89 carries for 419 yards and a touchdown. Smith left Texas A&M after the 1983 season and enrolled at Clemson University. He sat out the 1984 season per NCAA rules but played in 1985. That season, Smith played in 11 games and had eight carries for 27 yards, according to sports-reference.com. He also caught four passes for 26 yards. Smith left Clemson after the 1985 season over nearly $800 in long distance phone charges, the Constitution wrote.
Smith declared for the 1985 NFL draft but was not taken. He spent some time in training camp with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the USFL’s Jacksonville Bulls but did not make either squad.
A few years later, Smith found himself in the news again when the NCAA investigated Texas A&M head coach Jackie Sherrill over alleged payments to former recruits and players. The Aggies were placed on probation and Sherrill eventually resigned. After a few years, Sherrill resurfaced at Mississippi State. He retired in 2003, after which the NCAA placed Mississippi State on probation for four years for more alleged recruiting violations.
Harrell’s Funeral Home in Douglas is in charge of Smith’s arrangments. Visitation will take place from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Harrell’s Funeral Home on Saturday, October 14. The following day, Smith’s funeral will take place at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church at 3 p.m. Interment will follow in the Douglas City Cemetery. Smith’s friends and family have set up a GoFundMe page to assist with funeral expenses. Here is the link to the account: https://www.gofundme.com/f/85seu-george-smith
A story posted online at newspapers.com from the Atlanta Constitution contributed to this report. The Constitution printed the article on November 19, 1988. The Georgia High School Football Historians Association also contributed to this report.