Fred Smalls
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| Date of birth | January 17, 1963 |
|---|---|
| Place of birth | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Career information | |
| Position(s) | Linebacker & Fullback |
| US college | West Virginia |
| NFL draft | 1986 / round: 7 / pick: 182 |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 1986 | NFL San Diego Chargers |
| 1987 | NFL Philadelphia Eagles |
| 1990 | AFL Pittsburgh Gladiators |
| 1990 | AFL Washington Commandos |
| 1991 | AFL Albany Firebirds |
| Career stats | |
| |
Fred Smalls (born January 17, 1963) ia a former American football linebacker who played in the Arena Football League and collegiately for the West Virginia Mountaineers.
Collegiate career
Smalls, who was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, enrolled at West Virginia University in 1982 under head coach Don Nehlen. In his freshman season, Smalls recorded 6 tackles, a fumble recovery. In his sophomore season, he recorded 13 tackles and a pass break-up as a backup.
In 1983, Smalls earned the starting position. That junior season, he recorded 87 tackles, 2 interceptions, a fumble recovery, and two sacks. As a senior, in 1984, Smalls totaled 97 tackles, 5 forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and 3 sacks.
Professional career
Smalls was selected in the 7th round, 182nd overall by the San Diego Chargers in the 1986 NFL Draft. He played 3 games for the Philadelphia Eagles in 1987.
In 1990, Smalls moved to the Arena Football League and began playing with the Pittsburgh Gladiators. He only spent a short part of 1990 with the Gladiators, recording 5 tackles. He then moved to the Washington Commandos, where he played fullback along with linebacker. He finished the season with 18 tackles and a sack on defense with the Commandos and 3 receptions for 25 yards and 12 rushes for 44 yards and a touchdown on offense.
In 1991, Smalls played with the Albany Firebirds. That season, his last in professional football, Smalls recorded 4 tackles and a sack.