College acceptance season has already granted several promising Black scholars multiple scholarships offers and a Stanford, N.C., high school football star is joining that list, even though he’s only a junior.
Jahmir Smith has received 33 full-ride scholarship offers since December, including ones from all eight Ivy League schools.
“I really didn’t think it would happen,” Smith tells ABC 11.
The running back for the Lee County High School Yellow Jackets has been scouted by coaches ranging from the University of Tennessee to Stanford University and has earned a place in the local record book for running for 2,130 yards and scoring 41 touchdowns.
But as a student whose 4.43 GPA resulted from taking all honors courses, he’s not setting his sights on a football career, although he’s not ruling out the NFL.
“It’s fast money,” he told The Huffington Post Wednesday, May 24. “But I don’t want it as a career because it would take a toll on my body.”
As a student who enjoys math and science, he’d like to pursue a medical career as an anesthesiologist if the NFL doesn’t pan out.
“I know the odds are against me because of my skin tone and all, but I don’t really let it get to me,” he said. “I just stay to myself and try to help those around me.
“I’ve always understood since I was little that people would see me different.”
Although Smith could graduate early, he wants to take time to enjoy his senior year and consider his options. He’s holding out for a scholarship offer from Clemson University.
