(AllHipHop News) Roc Nation Sports just added its first professional football player to its growing roster. Former West Virginia University quarterback Geno Smith is now a New York Jet and a member of the ROC.
Smith will join Robinson Cano of the New York Yankees and Skylar Diggs of the WNBA’s Tulsa Shock as clients of Jay-Z’s latest business venture.
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Smith was selected as the 39th pick in this year’s NFL draft by the New York Jets. During his senior year at WVU (2012), the 6’3” Miami native threw for 4205 yards, 42 touchdowns, and a 71% completion rate.
He left his alma mater holding the school records for career completions, touchdown passes, passing yards, and consecutive pass completions. He also holds or shares conference and NCAA records as well.
Smith allegedly fired his previous agents after he slipped all the way to the second round in the draft even though he was expected to be a first round selection. According to his mentor, former NFL player John Thornton, Roc Nation was now the perfect fit for Smith.
“It really all came down to who he was most comfortable with,” Thornton told CBS Sports. “I was in those meetings and Jay-Z connected with him on many levels.”
With Mark Sanchez’s noticeable struggles in the QB position for the Jets, Smith may get an opportunity to see some playing time as the starter in New York.