 He attended Michigan State University, before transferring to the University of Southern California after his sophomore year, where he became a standout defensive tackle and a member of the original "Wild Bunch".Smith teamed in the defensive line with Al Cowlings, Jimmy Gunn, Willard "Bubba" Scott, and Charlie Weaver to form in 1969 "The Wild Bunch," which was key for USC to compile a 10-0-1 record and a No.3 ranking after a victory over the Michigan Wolverines in the 1970 Rose Bowl.