DALLAS  –  Eastern Kentucky University defensive back Mike Smith Jr. has signed a free agent contract with the Dallas Cowboys following the 2025 NFL Draft, which concluded on Saturday, April 26.
 
The Jacksonville, Florida native played three seasons in Richmond (2022-2024), amassing a long list of accolades last season, earning All-American honors from the AFCA, Phil Steele, and Walter Camp while being a unanimous All-UAC selection, and East-West Shrine Bowl participant.
 
A captain in 2024, Smith led the Colonel defense in allowing only 23.7 points per game en route to the FCS Playoffs with an 8-4 regular season record.
 
Despite being schemed around and avoided by every offense he faced, Smith still posted impressive numbers with four interceptions (tied for the most in the UAC), 63 total tackles, and six pass breakups as a safety.
 
Smith's interceptions were also timely, with his ones against Tarleton State and North Alabama coming in the final seconds of regulation to seal wins for the Colonels.
 
For his career in Richmond, Smith tallied 150 tackles, seven interceptions, 25 pass breakups, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.
 
At the end of the 2024 season, Smith was the 10^th highest graded safety in Division I football (FBS/FCS) by Pro Football Focus with a grade of 89.9.
 
Smith becomes the first Colonel to join the Cowboys organization since EKU Hall of Famer Tim Lester in 1999.