Dawuane Smoot

Dawuane Smoot Bio

Dawuane “D.J.” Smoot is an American professional football defensive end who currently plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League (NFL). Born on March 2, 1995, in Groveport, Ohio, Smoot was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the third round (68th overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft after a standout collegiate career at the University of Illinois. He has also spent time with the Buffalo Bills during his professional career. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 275 pounds, Smoot has established himself as a reliable presence along the defensive line, amassing 27 career sacks and 172 total tackles through the 2025 season.

Early Life and Background

Dawuane Smoot was born and raised in Groveport, Ohio, where he attended Groveport Madison High School. He initially briefly attended Saint Charles Preparatory School before returning to Groveport Madison, where he truly made his mark as a football player. During his high school career, Smoot demonstrated a natural ability for disrupting opposing offenses, recording an impressive 260 tackles and 30 sacks before graduating.

His performance at the high school level attracted attention from multiple college programs across the country. After considering his options, Smoot made the decision to continue his football career closer to home, committing to play collegiately at the University of Illinois. This decision would prove instrumental in developing the skills and technique that would eventually earn him a spot in the NFL.

Path to Professional Football

Smoot arrived at the University of Illinois in 2013 as a highly regarded freshman prospect. He saw limited action during his true freshman season, playing in seven games and recording eight tackles with one sack. This modest beginning served as a learning experience as he adjusted to the speed and physical demands of Big Ten Conference football.

His sophomore year in 2014 marked a significant jump in production, as Smoot appeared in all 13 games and finished with 33 tackles and 2.5 sacks. The following year as a junior, he became a full-time starter and truly emerged as one of the conference’s top defensive ends. In 2015, Smoot started all 12 games, recording 40 tackles, eight sacks, and three forced fumbles. His dominant performance earned him recognition throughout the Big Ten.

After his junior season, Smoot faced a major career decision. He contemplated entering the 2016 NFL Draft and received a second-round grade from the NFL advisory board. Ultimately, he chose to return to Illinois for his senior year to further develop his craft. On November 29, 2016, Smoot was named Third-team All-Big Ten Conference by the coaches and media, cementing his status as one of the top defensive prospects in the country. He was ranked as the 24th overall prospect on ESPN’s Todd McShay big board heading into the 2017 draft cycle.

Dawuane Smoot Career

Jacksonville Jaguars (2017-2023)

Dawuane Smoot was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the third round with the 68th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. The selection represented a significant moment for the Jaguars, who were building a defense that would soon become one of the league’s most feared units. Smoot made an immediate impact as a rookie, making the Jaguars’ 53-man roster and playing in all 16 regular season games, as well as Jacksonville’s three playoff games that season.

His development continued over the following seasons, and in Week 3 of the 2019 season, Smoot recorded his first two career sacks, bringing down Marcus Mariota in a 20-7 victory. This milestone moment validated the Jaguars’ investment in the former Illinois star and demonstrated his ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks at the professional level.

Contract Extension and Continued Growth (2021-2022)

On March 16, 2021, Smoot signed a two-year contract extension worth $10 million with the Jaguars, reflecting the organization’s confidence in his contributions to the defensive line. The extension represented a meaningful recognition of his consistency and reliability throughout his first four seasons. He continued to be a steady presence in the Jaguars’ defense, contributing to both the pass rush and run defense.

During the 2022 season, Smoot suffered a significant injury when he tore his Achilles tendon late in the campaign. The injury required an extensive rehabilitation process that would keep him off the field for an extended period. Despite the setback, Smoot remained committed to his recovery and worked diligently to return to full strength.

Return and Buffalo Bills Stint (2023-2024)

After spending four months without a team following his injury, the Jaguars re-signed Smoot on July 21, 2023. He was initially placed on the reserve/physically unable to perform list to start the season as he continued his rehabilitation. Smoot was activated from the PUP list on October 14, 2023, marking his return to the field after a challenging recovery period.

Following the 2023 season, Smoot signed with the Buffalo Bills on May 3, 2024, joining one of the AFC’s premier teams. The move to Buffalo presented a new opportunity for Smoot to contribute to a defense with championship aspirations. He played for the Bills during the 2024 season, adding valuable experience to his professional resume.

Jacksonville Jaguars (Second Stint, 2025-Present)

On June 3, 2025, the Jacksonville Jaguars announced that they had re-signed Smoot, bringing him back to the franchise where he began his professional career. This return to Jacksonville represented a homecoming for the Ohio native, who spent his first seven NFL seasons with the organization. Smoot rejoined a Jaguars defense looking to re-establish itself as a force in the AFC.

Playing Style and Strengths

Dawuane Smoot is known for his consistency and reliability as a defensive end. His combination of size (6-3, 275) and technique allows him to be effective both as a pass rusher and against the run. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated the ability to collapse the pocket and pressure quarterbacks while also maintaining discipline in his run fits. His experience spanning multiple seasons and teams has provided him with a diverse set of skills that he brings to whichever defensive line room he joins.

Notable Events and Milestones

Several moments stand out in Smoot’s professional career. His first multi-sack game in 2019 against Marcus Mariota represented his emergence as a legitimate NFL pass rusher. His $10 million contract extension in 2021 served as validation for his contributions, while his ability to return from a torn Achilles demonstrated his resilience and dedication to the sport. His return to Jacksonville in 2025 closes a full circle in his professional journey.

Dawuane Smoot Career Statistics

Through the 2025 season, Dawuane Smoot has established himself as a productive member of multiple NFL defenses. His career statistics reflect his consistency and ability to make plays in various aspects of the game.

NFL Career Highlights

Smoot’s career highlights include his rookie season where he contributed to a Jaguars team that reached the AFC Championship Game. His 27 career sacks represent a solid foundation, with his first career sacks coming against Marcus Mariota in 2019. His seven career forced fumbles demonstrate his ability to create turnovers, while his 172 total tackles show his reliability against the run. His participation in all 16 games as a rookie set the tone for his professional career, and his return from a major injury further highlighted his durability and work ethic.

Dawuane Smoot Family

Family Background and Personal Life

Dawuane Smoot comes from Groveport, Ohio, where he attended Groveport Madison High School before pursuing his football career at the University of Illinois. While details about his parents and family background remain private, his journey from Groveport to the NFL represents a significant achievement for his family and community.

Spouse and Children

Smoot is married to his wife Aumari. The couple has built a family together, including a son named Ahmir who was born in 2019. Their family story took an extraordinary turn on October 19, 2021, when Smoot helped deliver his second child at home after his wife Aumari fell on the way to the hospital. The dramatic situation showcased Smoot’s composure under pressure, a trait that serves him well on the football field. The couple has since raised their two children while Dawuane continues his professional football career.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season marks an important chapter in Dawuane Smoot’s career as he returns to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a second stint with the organization. After playing for the Buffalo Bills in 2024, Smoot rejoined the Jaguars in June 2025, returning to the team that originally drafted him in 2017. This homecoming provides Smoot with an opportunity to contribute to a familiar defensive scheme while mentoring younger players in the defensive line room.

The Jaguars’ defense has undergone changes since Smoot’s initial tenure, but his experience and institutional knowledge remain valuable assets. His ability to play both the run and pass game gives the coaching staff flexibility in how they deploy him along the defensive line. As he continues his recovery and conditioning, Smoot is expected to play a meaningful role in the Jaguars’ rotation.

Looking ahead, Smoot brings veteran leadership to a Jaguars defense looking to compete in a challenging AFC. His career trajectory demonstrates resilience, having returned from a significant Achilles injury to continue playing at a high level. With his work ethic and dedication to the sport, Smoot remains a reliable contributor who can help the Jaguars achieve their goals in the 2025 season and beyond.