Memphis receiver CJ Smith’s love-hate relationship with track shapes his football career
Memphis Tigers receiver CJ Smith (1) takes part in an April 8, 2025, practice. (Patrick Lantrip/The Daily Memphian)
Despite being an exceptional sprinter, Tigers receiver CJ Smith hated running races. But his track speed is what helped make him a coveted football prospect.
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Frank Bonner II
Frank Bonner is the Memphis Tigers football beat writer. He is originally from Indiana but arrived in Memphis after spending two years in Tulsa, covering Oklahoma State football and basketball. He covered high school sports in Columbus, Indiana for two years before getting his Master’s degree in Sports Journalism at IUPUI. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in journalism from Indiana University.
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