CEDAR CITY, Utah – Southern Utah University head football coach DeLane Fitzgerald has announced the addition of Darrius G. Smith to the Thunderbird coaching staff as the team's running backs coach and recruiting coordinator.

Smith comes to SUU by way of Fort Lewis College in Colorado where he was the head coach for two seasons.

"Darrius Smith is one of the best running backs coaches and tutors in the country." Fitzgerald said. "It's not often you get an opportunity to hire a national champion running backs coach, so when we had that opportunity to hire Darrius at SUU, we jumped on it. We could not be more excited about a running backs coach than we are about Darrius. Our running game gets better immediately."

Before Fort Lewis, Smith was the offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach at Bryant University. Prior to his time at Bryant, Smith worked with the offense at UMass and developed one of the nation's leading running backs in Marquis Young.

"It is an honor to be chosen as a member of this staff of amazing coaches," said Smith. "I am hyped to help coach Fitzgerald bring a tough and exciting brand of football to SUU and Cedar City. We can't get started fast enough; I need spring ball to start now."

Prior to his time at UMass, Smith was with Villanova for eight seasons, where he helped the Wildcats to the 2009 FCS National Championship. The Wildcats also won two CAA conference titles during Smith's tenure. Before Villanova, Smith also coached at Northeastern, James Madison, Idaho, Indiana (Pa.) and at New Mexico Highlands University. Smith began coaching at Frostburg State University, where he also played defensive back and was a three-year starter. While there, he earned his bachelor's degree in Health and Physical Education.

In addition to his responsibilities with the running backs, Smith also oversees Southern Utah's recruiting efforts. The Thunderbirds recently announced their newest signing class, which Smith played an integral part in bringing to Cedar City.

The first opportunity to see Smith and the rest of the new coaching staff in action will occur on Thursday, September 1, when Southern Utah opens the 2022 season at home against St. Thomas. The rest of the 2022 schedule can be viewed here.

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