Smith Hoping to End Career on High Note

Fifth-year senior Cam Smith has had his ups and downs during his collegiate career with injuries, but the speedy receiver is looking to end on a good note at Notre Dame.

The 5-foot-10, 202-pounder transferred from Arizona State in June, and the transition has been a smooth one.

“I knew what I was walking into,” Smith explained. “ASU is the complete opposite with 80,000 students. It’s a lot quieter, so that works. I am a focused in and chill type of guy. I like the fact there aren’t too many distractions.”

Smith had worked with offensive coordinator Chip Long and receivers coach Del Alexander at Arizona State, and that made his decision to come to Notre Dame even easier.

“Seeing how I was able to perform in the offense where they came from, and the fact they knew what I could do was the big draw for me,” Smith stated.

Smith is a quiet person by nature, and his new teammates have already adapted to his personality.

“They come and talk to me,” Smith said of his new teammates. “They know how I am. I’m pretty quiet.

Fellow grad transfer Freddie Canteen and Smith have connected as they go through adapting to a new school.

“We’re roommates,” stated Smith. “We will come and talk to each other if we have problems with the plays or throw and catch.”

Head coach Brian Kelly thought he was getting speedster when Smith decided he would play his final year in South Bend. However, Smith has proven to be much more than just a speed guy and has moved into the No. 2 receiver role.

“Expectations aren’t my thing,” Smith said of getting named the No. 2 receiver. “I go to work every day and what happens, happens. I could be No. 1 right now and second string the next day.

“It’s a battle every single day. With this potentially being my last year, I am just trying to fight it out every day. I don’t want to live with regrets. I don’t want to sit on the couch saying I gave up. I am just trying to make it.”  

Smith’s maturity is exactly what the Notre Dame receiver corps needed, and the fact he is willing to accept any role makes it a perfect fit.

“I am just thankful,” said Smith. “It’s a day by day process for me. I try not to put too many expectations into it. I am thankful the opportunities that I have. If I am not in, then I hope I can contribute to the team by helping a guy like Michael Young, a great player coming in. I am very impressed with him.”