Norfolk State’s ‘King of NIL’ Rayquan Smith announced Friday via Instagram that he plans on entering the transfer portal.
“First of all, Norfolk State thank you for everything,” said Smith in a statement announcing his transfer intentions.
“The previous four years have been genuinely amazing and unforgettable. I would like to use this chance to express my sincere gratitude to the coaching staff for having faith in me and giving me the opportunity to compete in track and field and college football.
“It was an honor to play for renowned coaches like Coach Scott (football) and Coach Giles (track) and it was a huge honor to meet Coach Price who has been a tremendous mentor to me and a key factor in my success over the past four years.”
New Chapter 📚 My Recruitment is 100% Open Grad Transfer! #kingofnil #rayquansmith FOOTBALL I MISS YOU🏈!! #transferportal
Thank you Norfolk🔰 pic.twitter.com/GeVUwR23t0— Rayquan Smith (@Rsmith24_) March 31, 2023
Smith’s career at Norfolk State began on the football field in 2019, playing running back for the Spartans for two seasons.
In 11 games, he compiled 546 rushing yards in 110 attempts scoring two touchdowns and adding 13 receptions for 170 yards and a touchdown.
Smith has since moved on to track and field, participating in numerous field events such as the javelin throw, hammer throw, discus throw, and shot put.
He set personal records in the hammer throw (120-4) and the javelin throw (112-10) during the 2021 MEAC Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
Smith made a name for himself off the field, capitalizing on the name, image, and likeness (NIL) rule, partnering with numerous businesses.
NIL ONLY BENEFITS “POWER 5 ATHLETES”
ME: 🤴🏽 pic.twitter.com/6gld6eeljq
— Rayquan Smith (@Rsmith24_) June 9, 2022
It was reported that last year that the Spartans’ athlete had signed 66 NIL deals more than any collegiate athlete.
In August 2021, he became the first HBCU athlete to sign with Eastbay, then became the first to sign with a professional sports team (Norfolk Admirals) in November 2021.
Smith also has NIL deals with Hardees, Arby’s, Bodyarmor, GOAT Fuel, Champs Sports,
