TALLAHASSEE, Fla. | Wide Receiver Xavier Smith, has been an impact player for the Rattlers for four seasons, increasing his FCS active career leader statistics and show-stopping plays on the field. He is excited for the remainder of the 2022 football season by explaining how the team's chemistry and energy have finally allowed them to unite. "I am more confident about this season because of the talent we have and because I feel like we can do something special," said Smith.
 
In 2021, Xavier Smith faced unforeseen adversity in need of thumb surgery and battling an ankle injury. Both injuries forced him to readjust his ways of catching and running the football to contribute to the team's success. Smith worried that he would not be the same player that he used to be, not realizing that he is becoming the player he was always meant to be.
 
Since last year, Xavier has jumped two spots on the FCS career leader chart, ranking him second overall with 236 receptions. "I just like to go out there and perform at a high level and be the best," explains Smith. "I don't pay attention to the numbers because this is not why I am doing it. I am doing it because I love the game and want to be the best." 
 
Xavier Smith is on pace to score a career-high 13 touchdowns this season and explains how the team has spent countless hours of work and bonding during the summer to be where they are today. Senior lead practices and special activities increased the individuals' confidence and trust, allowing them to connect further as a team. "I have a lot of guys around me who can make plays the same way I make plays, and as long as we are winning, everything else will fall into place," said Smith.
 
Xavier Smith accredits Head Coach Willie Simmons and Wide Receivers Coach Jelani Berassa for his ability to showcase his talents on game day and be an impact player for the team. He appreciates his coaches for being hard on him; their drive and belief in Xavier has developed him into the player, student, and man he is today. Smith further appreciates how his coaches keep him grounded, make sure that he keeps working, and do not worry about the accolades.
 
Smith never set any concrete goals for the 2022 season due to feeling unsatisfactory if those goals are not met. He believes he can determine what is good for himself and the team by the end of the season. "If I can look back and know that I gave my everything every week, then I can be proud of myself. But the goal is to win a championship," Smith stated. 
 
Xavier's leadership for the Rattlers inspires his teammates on and off the field. "A lot of the guys look at me to be that voice or player when the team needs it; they see how I work and how I don't care about the accolades," he says. 
 
One quote that Xavier Smith tells himself is, "Always believe in you, don't ever let anyone tell you that you can't do something; regardless of what people say or do, believe in God and chase your dreams." 
 
 
----  
 
Follow Florida A&M Athletics 
 
For complete coverage of Florida A&M athletics, please follow the Rattlers on social media at @FAMUAthletics (Twitter), FAMUAth (Facebook), and @famuathletics (Instagram).