Texas A&M has received a transfer pledge from former Stanford running back EJ Smith.

After four seasons on The Farm with Stanford, Smith comes to College Station with two years of eligibility remaining. A&M couldn’t keep the Dallas native home when he went through the recruiting process as a high school recruit, but when he went into the transfer portal last month and Mike Elko landed at A&M, the Aggies made sure they didn’t miss on the 6-foot, 210-pound tailback twice.

Smith was reportedly on a visit to College Station and gave his commitment to Texas A&M on Sunday.

 

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The son of NFL Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith, Smith flashed potential while with Stanford but couldn’t stay healthy. He played in three games as a true freshman in 2020, then made only seven appearances in 2021.

In 2022, he opened the year as the starter but was shut down with a season-ending injury two games in. This past fall was Smith’s healthiest, but Stanford’s poor play on the offensive line made running the football a challenge. The Cardinal’s two leading rushers were quarterbacks. Smith, who played in all 12 games, got just 53 carries all year.

He leaves Stanford with 557 yards and five rushing touchdowns. For Elko and Co., the hope is a change of scenery can provide a shot in the arm and unlock Smith’s potential. For his career, he has averaged 5.1 yards per carry despite playing in an offense that has been outside the top 100 in rushing efficiency for three consecutive seasons.

In the first two games of 2022, Smith ran for 206 yards and three scores on 30 carries before being shut down. If he can recapture that form in College Station, A&M will be pleased.

Smith will join a backfield that also includes Amari Daniels, Le’Veon Moss, and Rueben Owens II. He becomes the 17th known transfer pledge for A&M during the winter cycle, and he’s the 11th to give A&M their commitment since Jan. 4.