Montreze Smith Jr. is a playmaking linebacker with rare impact and award-level production
Montreze Smith Jr. has been one of Austin Peay’s most disruptive defenders, earning 2025 Jerry Rice Award finalist honors after posting 74 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, three interceptions, a pick-six, and a forced fumble.[7] His standout value is versatility: he can chase sideline-to-sideline, affect the backfield, and create turnovers, which is exactly why his 12-tackle, 2-interception game made history for the program.[3] He looks like a fit for a defense that wants a high-motor linebacker who can do more than just clean up plays.[3][7]
