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Former Minnesota RB Rodney Smith signs with NFL team
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Another former Minnesota star has worked his way into the NFL.
Thursday morning, Andy Greder of the Pioneer Press reported that former Gophers running back Rodney Smith has been signed by the Carolina Panthers. He was an undrafted free agent following the 2020 NFL Draft, but spent training camp with Carolina.
Smith finished his career with Minnesota in 2019.
News: Former #Gophers running back Rodney Smith has signed with the Panthers, bringing former U players in the #NFL to a dozen. Minnesota’s all-time all-purpose yardage leader was undrafted in 2020 but spent part of training camp in Carolina.
— Andy Greder (@andygreder) October 8, 2020
Smith rounded out his career with the Gophers as the all-time all-purpose yardage leader, totaling 5,444 yards during his time at Minnesota. He finished the 2019 season with 1,163 yards and 8 touchdowns on the ground while adding 70 receiving yards to his total.
The Gophers finished the season 11-2.
Smith acquired 4,125 rushing yards, 521 receiving yards and 29 touchdowns during his career in the Twin Cities. He eclipsed the 1,000-yard rushing milestone twice.
Carolina travels to Atlanta to play the Falcons on Sunday. The Panthers are 2-2 this season.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB