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2009 (Sophomore): Started all 12 games at free safety...Finished second on the team in both tackles, with 74 (42 solo), and interceptions, with three...Also broke up five passes, recovered a fumble and forced another...Stood out in resounding 23-17 win at Colorado (Sept. 6), quickly establishing himself as a big hitter with a nose for knack for making timely, game-changing plays...Picked off his first career pass, intercepting Cody Hawkins midway through the first quarter, thanks to a tip assist from teammate DeAngelo Wilkinson; three plays prior to his INT on the same series, made a touchdown-saving tackle...Then, with the Buffs threatening to pull within a field goal midway through the third quarter, absolutely leveled WR Scotty McKnight, forcing a fumble recovered by CSU's Alex Williams (officials initially ruled down by contact, but replay revealed the fumble and subsequent turnover)...In 24-23 win vs. Weber State (Sept. 12), intercepted his second pass in as many games, picking off Cameron Higgins in the third quarter...On the previous series, forced a punt when he shielded intended receiver Joe Collins from a pass on third down...In assertive 35-20 win vs. Nevada (Sept. 19), picked off a pass for a third straight game, extending one of the longest streaks in CSU history; ended a third-quarter drive in the Rams' end zone, tight-roping the end line after his momentum carried him backward, then brought the ball back to the CSU 21...In conference-opening loss at No. 19 BYU (Sept. 26), made an open-field tackle to prevent a Harvey Unga touchdown at the CSU 44, two plays before Nick Oppenneer intercepted Max Hall...Broke up a sure touchdown early in bitter 31-29 loss at Idaho (Oct. 3), several snaps before another Oppenneer interception ended the drive; later, scooped up a blocked PAT and returned it 75 yards for what would've been two points if not for an offsides penalty, then broke up a pass at his own 10-yard line late in the first half...In loss at No. 8 TCU (Oct. 17), calmly fielded an Ed Wesley fumble forced by Mychal Sisson, and returned it 28 yards to set up a field goal that gave CSU a 6-0 lead; later, delivered one of his signature hits, separating WR Jeremy Kurley from an incomplete pass inside the Rams' 5-yard line...In heartbreaking last-second loss at New Mexico (Nov. 21), had a career-high 11 tackles and broke up a pass with only a minute remaining and CSU leading 27-26, forcing the Lobos to convert a fourth down...In 17-16 loss vs. Wyoming (Nov. 27), broke up a pass on the game's first play. 2008 (Freshman): Played in 10 games, including the New Mexico Bowl (Dec. 20), with three starts...Compiled 36 tackles (24 solo), with three stops for loss, one sack, one pass broken up, a fumble recovery and a forced fumble...Sustained a foot injury on the first day of spring practice, then after rehabilitating the injury all summer, aggravated it on the eve of fall camp...Began practicing with the team soon after the regular season began and made his college debut in Game 4 at Cal (Sept. 27), on special teams...Converted from cornerback to safety after Klint Kubiak's Game 5 injury and played well as reserve in conference win at San Diego State (Oct. 25)...One week later, made his first career start, in crushing 45-42 loss vs. No. 17 BYU (Nov. 1); replaced Mike Pagnotta (shoulder) in the lineup and registered nine tackles, including a sack (Max Hall) and two stops for loss...At Air Force (Nov. 8), did not start but played the full game after returning starter Klint Kubiak injured his knee on the day's first play...Rejoined the starting lineup in win vs. New Mexico (Nov. 15), and helped to keep the Lobos in check with a fourth-quarter tackle, rocketing into the UNM backfield to crush QB Brad Gruner for a 2-yard loss inside CSU's 5-yard line, forcing an eventual field-goal attempt; then, late in the game, crushed the Lobos' Roland Bruno on the Rams' 5-yard line, separating him from the ball...In win at Wyoming (Nov. 22) that made CSU bowl eligible, recovered Devin Moore's second-quarter fumble, then with CSU protecting a 24-20 lead in the fourth quarter, forced a Wynel Seldon fumble recovered by teammate Wade Landers, to set up a game-clinching TD drive. 2007: Redshirted as a true freshman in his first year of college eligibility. High School: A standout at Crenshaw High School in Los Angeles, Calif., received the Scholar Athlete award from the National Football Foundation...Named football MVP in 2005 and team captain in `06...A two-time all-league and two-time all-city honoree...Helped lead the Cougars to both a league and city championship in 2005...Played fullback, linebacker and safety...Lettered in two sports at Crenshaw, including track, where he ran the 100 and 200 meters...Named to the academic honor roll...High school football coach was Robert Garrett. Personal: Given name Elijah-Blu Norriss Smith...Born Dec. 23, 1988, in Los Angeles, Calif. ...Son of Norris Smith...Has one brother and two sisters...A health and exercise science major...Hometown: Los Angeles, Calif.
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