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Wayne State University Athletics

AJ Smith Hiring Graphic 2026 RB Coach and Dir. of Player Personnel

Football Jeff Weiss, Senior Associate Director of Athletics/Media Relations

Smith Named Running Backs Coach & Director of Player Personnel

DETROIT -- Wayne State University first-year head football coach Terrence Isaac, Sr., has announced the appointment of AJ Smith, Jr. as running backs coach and director of player personnel.

"AJ  is a very dedicated and passionate coach but he's a better person," remarked Coach Isaac.  "He works extremely hard and will be a great addition to the staff."

Smith comes to Detroit after spending the last two seasons (2024-2025) as linebackers coach at Rochester Community and Technical College. 

In his first year at RCTC in 2024, Smith mentored a pair of NJCAA All-Region 13 selections in Javieane Stevens and Trei Ginn.  Stevens recorded a team-leading 65 tackles (51-14) in 10 games, including 16.5 sacks, along with a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.  Meanwhile, Ginn had 43 tackles (40-3) including 7.5 sacks, two interceptions, two pass break-ups and a blocked kick.

In addition, he tutored Second Team All-MCAC (Minnesota College Athletic Conference) honoree Noah Courington, who notched 38 tackles (33-5) plus had two forced fumbles.

In 2025, RCTC won eight consecutive games before falling in the MCAC title contest.  That season, Smith guided Courington to a Second Team All-MCAC selection after totaling 52 stops (33-19), including eight for loss, while T'Kyerian Gray was an Honorable Mention All-MCAC recipient after leading the Yellowjackets in tackles with 66 (50-16).

Smith is currently completing degree requirements for a bachelor's in Business Administration with a minor in Sports Management from Southern New Hampshire University.

He played both running back and linebacker at Thorsby High School in Thorsby, Ala., and earned First Team All-Country recognition at both positions.  Smith started at both spots each of his last three seasons, helping the Rebels to three consecutive playoff appearances.

During his post-graduate year with the JPG Hawks in Birmingham, Ala. during the 2022 season, Smith received an invitation to play in the Post-Grad Recruits Bowl.

A native of Clanton, Ala., Smith and his wife Rylie reside in Metro Detroit.
 
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