Champ Smith III brings rangy, playmaking upside to NIU’s secondary
Champ Smith III is a 2026 freshman safety for Northern Illinois with a strong ball-hawking resume from Gulliver Prep, where he recorded six interceptions in his senior season after posting 58 tackles, three picks, and three pass breakups as a junior. He also stands out as a multi-sport athlete and high-level competitor, earning First-Team All-Dade in high jump and winning gold with USA Football’s 17U flag football team in 2025. For NIU, he looks like a high-upside add if the staff wants speed, range, and turnover potential with long-term development value.
