Professional Football Player, Coach. Born Harry Elliott Smith, he was raised in Ontario, California where he attended Chaffey High School and played collegiate football at the University of Southern California. While with the Trojans, he became team captain during his freshman year and was a significant contributor to two USC Rose Bowl titles (1939 and 1940). He was dubbed the nickname "Blackjack" because of the cast he wore on one arm during the 1939 season. Individually, he distinguished himself as he achieved All-American status twice. Selected by the Detroit Lions during the 5th round of the 1940 NFL Draft, he appeared in 10 games that season and distinguished himself as he earned Pro-Bowl honors. After retiring as a player, he began a lengthy career as coach beginning as an assistant at the University of Missouri and later at USC, before returning to Missouri during the 1950s. In 1951, he served as head coach of Saskatchewan of the Canadian Football League and guided the Roughriders to an appearance in the Grey Cup in 1951. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1955 and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 1974.
Professional Football Player, Coach. Born Harry Elliott Smith, he was raised in Ontario, California where he attended Chaffey High School and played collegiate football at the University of Southern California. While with the Trojans, he became team captain during his freshman year and was a significant contributor to two USC Rose Bowl titles (1939 and 1940). He was dubbed the nickname "Blackjack" because of the cast he wore on one arm during the 1939 season. Individually, he distinguished himself as he achieved All-American status twice. Selected by the Detroit Lions during the 5th round of the 1940 NFL Draft, he appeared in 10 games that season and distinguished himself as he earned Pro-Bowl honors. After retiring as a player, he began a lengthy career as coach beginning as an assistant at the University of Missouri and later at USC, before returning to Missouri during the 1950s. In 1951, he served as head coach of Saskatchewan of the Canadian Football League and guided the Roughriders to an appearance in the Grey Cup in 1951. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1955 and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 1974.
Bio by: C.S.
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