When Armorion Smith committed to Michigan State football before the 2023 season, everyone was hoping for him to be a starting-caliber safety because he had the experience necessary to help fill a position of need.
In his first season with the Spartans, he experienced a tumultuous environment with Mel Tucker getting fired and Harlon Barnett stepping in to replace him just a few games into the season.
Instead of looking for a new home elsewhere, Smith decided to stick it out after playing just four games, totaling just two tackles. He didn't have a major impact, but he got a bigger opportunity as a sophomore, playing in seven games and totaling seven tackles. Still, he didn't avoid adversity, losing his mother and becoming the legal guardian of his four siblings while also dealing with an injury.
Smith's college experience hasn't been easy, but he received some national recognition earlier this week, being named on the Comeback Player of the Year award watch list.
The watch list was revealed earlier this week, and Smith made the cut.
Smith was the only Spartan to make the watch list and he was one of 13 players in the Big Ten to be honored as preseason comeback player of the year candidates.
This is a huge honor because Smith hasn't really gotten to show what he can do in East Lansing, playing just 11 games over two years, but it's clear that college football experts are expecting a massive increase in production this season.
If he stays healthy, he could do big things at safety for the Spartans.