Cologne Centurions sign former Villanova University QB Daniel Smith

| American Football | 12/20/2022

The Cologne Centurions of the European League of Football (ELF) have finally found their quarterback for the 2023 season in Villanova University (NCAA, DI) alumnus Daniel Smith.

The 6 ‘0, 190-pound passer from Leesburg, Virginia, most recently suited up for the Saarland Hurricanes of the German Football League after joining the team midway through the season due to an injury. In six games, Smith was able to throw for 1,420 yards and 17 touchdowns while rushing for 388 yards and five touchdowns.

Smith began his collegiate career at Campbell University (NCAA, DI) in North Carolina for the Fighting Camels. In 2018 the Fighting Camels mascot, Gaylord the Camel, cheered Smith on to throw for 1,566 yards, 13 touchdowns and three interceptions while rushing for a further 668 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground.

The following year, Smith transferred to Villanova where he had three monster years. Despite his 2020 season being significantly limited due to injury Smith was able to throw for 6,529 yards and 63 touchdowns while also rushing for 868 yards and 21 touchdowns on the ground.

Smith also became a college legend when in 2021 when on a 3rd and 1 in the fourth quarter trailing by seven, the young quarterback threw a pass mid-flip to his tight end for a touchdown.

Considering the outstanding college career, he had which earned him a shot in the New York Jets mini camp, Smith put up mediocre numbers in his half-season with the Hurricanes. But with a full off-season ahead and hopefully the signing of a playmaker at receiver, Smith should be able to show Europe what he’s made of.

Daniel Mackenzie is a Press Association graduate who works in journalism and communications in the third sector. Daniel began playing football for the London Warriors and Team Great Britain and has since played across Europe.