It's not every day that a Small College football player gets an opportunity to compete at the highest levels of professional football. What's even more rare is a Small College football player being one of the best players in the league at the next level. For former Ripon College running back Dave Smith '59, both were true.

Although he would eventually earn All-League honors with the Houston Oilers of the American Football League (AFL), it was as a member of the Ripon Redmen where Smith began making a name for himself. A three-time First Team All-Conference selection with the Redmen, Smith finished his college career with 2,668 rushing yards, which stood as a school record for 25 years and currently ranks fifth, 62 years after his graduation. His 205 career points also has stood the test of time, as it still ranks eighth in program history.

Nicknamed "The Ripon Ripper," Smith was the lifeblood of Ripon's football program for three years, helping the Redmen go 18-5-1 during that span. That included an undefeated season in 1957, which saw Ripon win all eight of their games under the direction of Head Coach Jerry Thompson.

"During Smith's sophomore year in 1956, there were only 19 players on the team, so he played every minute of offense that season," Thompson is on record as saying. "The following season, there were 24 players, and Smith still played every 'important' minute of offense, as he played an instrumental role in our team going undefeated that year."

Inducted into the Ripon College Athletics Hall of Fame in 1984, Smith is one of just 11 players in program history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in a single season, and one of only two to accomplish that feat prior to 1982, doing so during his sophomore campaign. One year after Ripon's undefeated season, Smith came into his own as a senior, earning All-American honors by scoring a then-school record 102 points, which still ranks sixth in program history for a single season. That season also saw him rush for 230 yards against Lawrence, which stood as Ripon's single game school record for the next 35 years and still ranks eighth in program history. His four touchdowns against Knox that same season also stood as a school record for three-plus decades and is currently tied for sixth. Smith still ranks sixth in program history for longest run from scrimmage with an 86-yard scamper against Lawrence.

"Smith was very, very quick and hit the hole very fast, with good power," Thompson said. "He was our bread and butter ball carrier and ran well to the outside, while also being a good receiver with several long, breakaway runs."

Smith's Ripon career ended in 1959, but his football journey was just beginning. Selected by Vince Lombardi's Green Bay Packers with the 241st overall pick in the 21st round of the 1959 NFL Draft, Smith battled for a spot on the team that summer. Ultimately, Smith was the final cut Lombardi made that season, as the team opted to keep future Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Jim Taylor instead.

That didn't stop Smith's pursuit of professional football however, as he was acquired by the Houston Oilers later that year in a special draft by the upstart American Football League (AFL). In the AFL's inaugural season of 1960, Smith was named to the All-League team as a fullback, among the likes of future Pro Football Hall of Famers Jim Otto and Jack Kemp. That helped the Oilers win their first of back-to-back AFL Championships. During the inaugural AFL Championship Game, Smith scored the first touchdown, a 17-yard reception from future Pro Football Hall of Famer George Blanda, en route to a 24-16 victory, with future broadcasting Hall of Famer Jack Buck calling the game to a national audience on ABC.

The Greendale, Wis. native remained a valuable player for the Oilers for five years, appearing in 65 career games, including 22 starts, before injuries ended his career. He finished his professional football career with 1,368 yards on 328 carries (4.2 ypc), while rushing for 11 touchdowns. Smith also caught 80 passes for 772 yards (9.7 ypr) and seven additional scores. Though short-lived, his pro football career has been described by some as 'an overnight success' with 'electrifying results.'

"I'm pleased that Dave did so well and accomplished so much in the pros," Thompson said. "I thought his (lack of) size and knee troubles would be a handicap, but they were not, and he was able to come through and have success."

After his playing days were over, Smith remained involved with the NFL as a scout for the Buffalo Bills.


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