The Emerging Backfield Talent: Emmitt Smith IV

Basic Information

Family Heritage and Early Life

The football-rich Smith family welcomed Emmitt James Smith IV on May 15, 2002, in Dallas, Texas. Father Emmitt James Smith III is the NFL’s all-time top rusher and a Hall of Famer, while mother Patricia Southall was Miss Virginia USA 1994 and has since committed herself to philanthropy. Emmitt IV lived with his elder half-sister, Jasmine Page Lawrence (b. January 15, 1996), and younger siblings, Rheagen Smith, Skylar Smith, and Elijah Alexander James Smith. He developed athletic desire and a strong feeling of public duty from family gatherings around sports and community activities.

His football background was enhanced by his paternal uncle, Emory Smith, a former collegiate and NFL Europe running back, and his late uncle Emil Smith (died 2008). His maternal grandparents, Henry and Mildred Southall, imparted principles of education and political participation, while his paternal grandparents, Emmitt Smith Jr. and Mary J. Smith, fostered discipline and competition from home.

High School Career

At Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas, Emmitt IV emerged as a standout running back, rating as the No. 48 prospect nationally by ESPN upon graduation in 2020. Over his junior and senior seasons, he amassed impressive rushing totals:

His combination of vision, burst through the line, and receiving ability out of the backfield drew recruitment attention from multiple Power Five programs. He committed to Stanford University in late 2019, choosing the Cardinal over several other top-tier offers.

College Career at Stanford (2020–2023)

Freshman & Sophomore Seasons

• 2020 (Freshman): Appeared in two games, recording three receptions for seven yards while seeing no carries.
• 2021 (Sophomore): Logged 26 carries for 133 yards (5.1 YPC) and caught 15 passes for 74 yards, showcasing versatility.

Breakout and Highlight Performances

In the 2022 season, Emmitt IV broke into the spotlight with a career-defining play:

• First Carry of 2022: An 87-yard touchdown run against Colgate, marking the fifth-longest rushing play in Stanford history.
• Season Opener Stats: 11 carries for 118 yards and 2 touchdowns; through the first two games, totaled 206 yards and 3 scores.

A midseason injury curtailed his momentum, but his early performances made clear his blend of speed and power carried echoes of his father’s Hall of Fame skill set.

Senior Season Totals

In 2023, as a senior, he assumed a greater offensive role:

His expanded targets in the passing game reflected Stanford’s emphasis on multi-dimensional backfield usage, with an average of 7.3 receiving yards per catch.

Transfer to Texas A&M and 2024 Season

On November 28, 2023, Emmitt IV entered the NCAA transfer portal, committing to Texas A&M University on January 7, 2024. Transitioning into the Southeastern Conference, he saw significant early workload:

• 2024 (Texas A&M): 54 carries for 207 yards (3.8 YPC) through midseason, adapting to a new offensive scheme and competitive line play.

His role with the Aggies underscored both his adaptability and potential to leverage his pedigree in marquee conference matchups.

Statistical Overview

Combining his collegiate career through the end of the 2024 regular season yields the following cumulative figures:

This statistical snapshot reflects a backfield contributor with explosive play capability and reliable pass-catching skills.

Personal Brand and Public Presence

Emmitt Smith IV’s @therealejsmith Instagram account has over 35,000 followers and a focused public image. His bio—“Build Your Own Legacy | RB @aggiefootball | Stanford Alum | ΩΨΦ | @octagon”—indicates dedication to athletics, academics, and fraternity membership. He balances his athletic and academic identities by posting workouts, game video, and reflections from his doctoral studies in Science, Technology, and Society.

He is one of the most marketable collegiate running backs because to his NIL partnership prospects and family name recognition. College Station kids sports clinics and technology instruction are among his targeted community outreach.

FAQ

When was Emmitt Smith IV born?

Emmitt Smith IV was born on May 15, 2002, in Dallas, Texas.

Who are his parents?

His parents are NFL Hall of Famer Emmitt James Smith III and philanthropist Patricia Southall.

What position does he play?

He plays running back, combining rushing prowess with pass-catching ability.

Which high school did he attend?

He attended Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas, graduating in 2020.

Which colleges has he played for?

He played at Stanford University from 2020 to 2023 and transferred to Texas A&M in 2024.

What is his listed height and weight?

He is listed at 6 ft 0 in tall and weighs 215 lb.

What is his college major?

He is a graduate student majoring in Science, Technology, and Society.

Does he have a public social media presence?

Yes, he maintains an official Instagram account under @therealejsmith with over 35,000 followers.

References