Dawuane Smoot Bio
Dawuane Smoot is an American professional football defensive end for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League (NFL). Born on March 2, 1995, in Groveport, Ohio, he played college football at the University of Illinois and was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Smoot has also played for the Buffalo Bills during his career.
Early Life and Background
Dawuane Smoot attended Groveport Madison High School in Groveport, Ohio, where he excelled in football. He briefly attended Saint Charles Preparatory School before graduating from Groveport Madison. During his high school career, he recorded an impressive 260 tackles and 30 sacks, showcasing his potential as a defensive player. Following high school, he committed to the University of Illinois to further his football career.
Path to American Football
At the University of Illinois, Dawuane Smoot played in seven games as a true freshman in 2013, recording eight tackles and one sack. His sophomore year saw him participate in all 13 games, where he accumulated 33 tackles and 2.5 sacks. By his junior year, he started all 12 games, achieving 40 tackles, eight sacks, and three forced fumbles. His performance earned him recognition, as he was named Third-team All-Big Ten Conference by coaches and media in 2016. Smoot contemplated entering the NFL Draft after his junior season but ultimately decided to return for his senior year, where he solidified his draft stock.
Dawuane Smoot Career
Early Career (2017–2020)
Dawuane Smoot was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the third round (68th overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft. He made the Jaguars’ roster and played in all 16 regular-season games during his rookie year, contributing to the team’s playoff run. In Week 3 of the 2019 season, he recorded his first two career sacks against quarterback Marcus Mariota, marking a significant milestone in his early career. Smoot signed a two-year, $10 million contract extension with the Jaguars on March 16, 2021, solidifying his role on the team.
Breakthrough (2021–2023)
Smoot’s breakthrough came during the 2021 season when he became a key contributor on the Jaguars’ defensive line. His performance continued to improve, and he became known for his ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks. Unfortunately, in late 2022, Smoot suffered an Achilles tendon injury, which sidelined him for a significant portion of the 2023 season. On July 21, 2023, after a four-month recovery period, he was re-signed by the Jaguars and placed on the reserve/PUP list to start the season. He was activated from the PUP list on October 14, 2023, marking his return to the field.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Dawuane Smoot has established himself as a reliable defensive end, known for his ability to disrupt plays and generate sacks. He has recorded a total of 160 tackles and 26 sacks as of Week 11 of the 2025 season.
Dawuane Smoot Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Dawuane Smoot has not received any major award nominations.
Dawuane Smoot Awards Won
Dawuane Smoot has not won any major awards during his professional football career.
Dawuane Smoot Family
Dawuane Smoot is married to Aumari, and the couple has a son named Ahmir, born in 2019.
Personal Life
In a remarkable moment, Dawuane Smoot assisted his wife Aumari in delivering their second child at home on October 19, 2021, after she fell on the way to the hospital. This experience highlighted his dedication to family and his role as a father.
