One of the most decorated players in McNeese State football history will receive his greatest decoration on Saturday night.

Leonard Smith will be honored by McNeese and the National Football Foundation at halftime in recognition of his induction to the College Football Hall of Fame.

“Leonard Smith was one of the greatest players in McNeese State history,” NFF President and CEO Steve Hatchell said in a news release. “A 1982 first-team All-American, Smith twice earned both all-Louisiana and all-Southland Conference honors during his standout career in Lake Charles. We are thrilled to honor him in front of the McNeese State faithful at Cowboy Stadium.”

Smith will be presented with a plaque that will be on permanent display in the school’s Hall of Fame room at Jack Doland Fieldhouse. He is the first player in school history to receive college football’s highest honor.

“Hopefully not, but he may be the only one ever inducted,” said Cowboys head coach Matt Viator. “It’s huge for McNeese for that guy to get that kind of honor.”

Smith was a star defensive back for some of the best teams in school history, helping McNeese to an SLC title and Independence Bowl appearance in 1980.

He was the 1982 SLC and Louisiana Defensive Player of the Year in addition to be named a first-team all-America.

He was at his best on special teams, where he blocked a school-record 17 kicks.

Viator’s father, Nolan, was a McNeese assistant coach Smith’s senior year.

“I remember watching him and he was just a special player,” Viator said. “He was a bigger cornerback, even back then. The combination of very fast, very physical. And the way he practiced and came on the field, he was a pro. You just knew by watching him that he was going to play at the next level.”

Smith did just that, getting picked 17th overall by the then-St. Louis Cardinals in the 1983 NFL Draft — a full 10 spots ahead of Dan Marino. He remains the highest draft selection in Southland history.

Smith’s nine-year career ended with Buffalo, which he helped lead to Super Bowls XXV and XXVI.

Though his pro career was done by the time most current McNeese players were born, he’s kept his legacy alive by occasionally returning to campus and meeting with them.

“At first I didn’t know about him. But as I got more involved at McNeese I heard his name and realized how good he was in college and the NFL,” said Cowboys senior safety Aaron Sam. “You have to pay attention to him. Every time he talks, we listen. He’s a great man. He shows us the rights and wrongs in life, and I’m just really happy for him.”(Special to the American Press)