Bowling Green State University Athletics
Briggs and Smith Ink Free Agent NFL Deals
April 28, 2009 | Football
April 28, 2009
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - Diyral Briggs and Antonio Smith, former members of the Bowling Green State University football team, have each signed free agent contracts with members of the National Football League. Briggs signed with the San Francisco 49ers, while Smith inked a contract with the Cleveland Browns.
Briggs played in 47 games (27 starts) in his Falcon career, one shy of matching the school record. The Mt. Healthy, Ohio, native finished his career with 221 tackles, 36 tackles for loss and 26 sacks. His sack totals rank first in school history and eighth all-time in the Mid-American Conference.
Briggs, who was a two time first-team All-MAC selection as a junior and senior, led the conference with 9.5 sacks in his last year as a Falcon. His 13.5 tackles for loss ranked second in the MAC. Briggs opened this past season with a bang, recording two sacks in a win at Pittsburgh and three sacks a week later versus Minnesota.
Smith, a four-year defensive back starter, played in 46 career games making 45 starts. Smith finished his Falcon career with 249 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, two sacks, six interceptions, 26 pass breakups and five fumble recoveries. This past season the Miami, Fla., native led the MAC with 11 pass breakups.
Smith, who earned third-team All-MAC honors as a junior, had a career-best 80 tackles, while recording two interceptions, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and five pass breakups in 2007.
