D’Ante Smith Bio
D’Ante Bryce Smith is an American professional football offensive tackle, born on June 8, 1998, in Augusta, Georgia. He attended Grovetown High School, where he began playing football and developed into a college prospect. After completing high school, he committed to play college football at East Carolina University, where he contributed significantly during his career despite facing injuries. He was selected in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals and continues to play as an offensive tackle, showing leadership and resilience throughout his professional career.
Early Life and Background
D’Ante Bryce Smith grew up in Augusta, Georgia, and attended Grovetown High School in nearby Grovetown, Georgia. At Grovetown, he was a member of both the football and wrestling teams, an unusual combination that helped him build the strength and balance that later defined his play on the offensive line. As a junior, he was named second-team All-Area and All-Region, recognition that brought early college attention to the young lineman.
Coming out of high school, Smith was regarded as a promising offensive line prospect with the frame and footwork to develop at the college level. He initially committed to play college football at Appalachian State before reopening his recruitment late in the process. During his senior season at Grovetown, he decommitted from Appalachian State and ultimately signed to play at East Carolina University, a decision that would shape his path to the professional ranks.
Path to American Football
Smith’s transition from high school to college football was not without difficulty. In the opening game of his freshman season at East Carolina, he sustained a season-ending injury and was forced to use a medical redshirt, preserving a year of eligibility. The setback, however, did not stop his development. Working through rehabilitation, Smith returned to the field and steadily built a role for himself along the Pirates’ offensive line.
By the time he reached his senior year, Smith had started 33 games for East Carolina, an impressive total that reflected both his durability and his importance to the program. Heading into his redshirt senior campaign, he was viewed as one of the top offensive line prospects in his class, with scouts noting his size, length, and run-blocking potential. Another injury in the season opener of his final year ultimately led him to opt out of the rest of the season in order to train for the 2021 NFL Draft.
D’Ante Smith Career
Early Career (2021)
D’Ante Bryce Smith entered the professional ranks when he was selected in the fourth round with the 139th overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. The selection marked a significant milestone for the lineman from Augusta, who had overcome multiple injuries during his time at East Carolina to reach the league. Shortly after the draft, he signed his four-year rookie contract with Cincinnati on May 17, 2021, formally beginning his NFL career.
His first professional season, however, was interrupted by injury. On October 16, he was placed on injured reserve, ending a stretch of the year in which he had been developing within the Bengals’ offensive line room. He was later activated on December 18, ahead of the team’s Week 16 matchup against the Denver Broncos, giving him a brief opportunity to contribute late in the season.
Cincinnati Bengals Era (2021–2024)
Smith’s role with the Bengals grew in the seasons that followed his rookie year. Throughout the 2022 season, he served as the backup left tackle to Jonah Williams, while also carving out a defined role as the team’s swing tackle on running plays that required a sixth offensive lineman. This position allowed him to contribute in specialized situations and to continue refining his craft behind one of the Bengals’ starting linemen.
In 2023, Smith remained as the backup left tackle, this time backing up Orlando Brown Jr., whom the Bengals had signed in free agency. Although his playing time was limited, his presence on the depth chart provided Cincinnati with experienced protection at a critical position. Heading into 2024, he was expected to compete for an expanded role, but he missed the entire season after tearing a patellar tendon during training camp, a serious injury that sidelined him for the year.
Driving Style and Strengths
Smith’s playing strengths stem from his combination of size, length, and wrestling background. Listed at 6 ft 5 in and 309 lb, he has the frame to handle larger defensive ends in the run game, while his wrestling experience has helped him develop balance, hand placement, and leverage. Coaches have also valued his willingness to play in multiple roles along the offensive line, including swing tackle duties that require both run-blocking and pass-protection awareness.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the signature moments of Smith’s career came on draft night in 2021, when he heard his name called in the fourth round as the 139th overall pick by the Cincinnati Bengals. Reaching the NFL after two major injuries at East Carolina made the moment especially meaningful. His role as a swing tackle during the 2022 season, along with his steady presence on the depth chart in 2023, further cemented his value to the Bengals’ offensive line room.
D’Ante Smith Career Wins
As an offensive lineman, D’Ante Bryce Smith’s contributions are measured less by individual victories and more by the consistent play that allows teammates to succeed. Throughout his professional career with the Cincinnati Bengals, he has provided depth, versatility, and resilience at the tackle position. His ability to return from serious injuries and continue competing at the NFL level remains one of the defining themes of his career so far.
Cincinnati Bengals Highlights
Smith’s tenure with the Bengals has been marked by steady growth and important team runs. After signing his rookie contract in May 2021, he appeared in a small number of games during his debut season before being placed on injured reserve. He returned in time for the team’s Week 16 matchup against the Denver Broncos, providing a glimpse of his potential. In 2022, he earned the swing tackle role and contributed on running plays requiring a sixth offensive lineman, then continued in a backup capacity behind Orlando Brown Jr. in 2023. Through 2023, his career NFL totals included 3 games played and 1 start.
Other Performances
Before turning professional, Smith was a multi-year starter at East Carolina, where he totaled 33 starts along the offensive line before opting out of his final season to train for the draft. His wrestling background at Grovetown High School also contributed to his development as an athlete, giving him a foundation in balance and leverage that translated to the football field.
D’Ante Smith Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Smith grew up in Augusta, Georgia, where he was raised before attending Grovetown High School in the neighboring community. Publicly available details about his parents and immediate family are limited.
Personal Life
D’Ante Bryce Smith maintains a private personal life, and confirmed public information about a spouse or children has not been widely reported. His social media presence reflects his nickname and ongoing connection to the football community.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 season, D’Ante Bryce Smith is working his way back from a torn patellar tendon suffered during the 2024 training camp, an injury that forced him to miss the entire 2024 campaign. His recovery will be a major storyline for the Bengals’ offensive line, which is expected to evaluate his health and conditioning throughout the offseason program. With Orlando Brown Jr. established as the starting left tackle, Smith’s return could allow Cincinnati to once again employ him as a dependable swing tackle in running situations.
As the Bengals prepare for 2025, Smith’s experience within the system and familiarity with the team’s offensive scheme make him a candidate to compete for a roster spot and a defined role along the offensive line. His performance during offseason practices and training camp will likely determine how quickly he is integrated back into game action. The organization has invested in his development since 2021, and a healthy 2025 season would represent another important step in his professional journey.
Looking ahead, the outlook for Smith in 2025 depends largely on his recovery progress and the Bengals’ plans along the offensive line. If he returns to full strength, his versatility as both a backup tackle and a sixth-lineman option in the run game could prove valuable for Cincinnati. Regardless of his exact role, his persistence through multiple injuries continues to define his career and gives the Bengals a familiar, battle-tested presence heading into the new season.