Tyreke Smith is one of the best defensive end prospects in the country for the Class of 2018 and, until Saturday, that was what the rising senior was best known for in the college football world. However, Smith decided to wear a shirt featuring the caption "I hope I don't get killed for being black today" while attending an Ohio State instructional camp over the weekend and his statement is all over the headlines as a result.
In explaining the choice, the 17-year-old spoke to Cleveland.com:
"Whether people think that being black isn't a task or not. Being the individual I am and the spotlight I have, I felt that people would get the message if I wore the shirt. Because if I'm being real, people are looking at me even when I don't know and I knew they would see the shirt."
In addition, Smith clarified his intentions in an interview with Eleven Warriors:
"I decided to wear the shirt because I wanted to bring attention to the epidemic of blacks being killed at an alarming rate. What we would like to do is have people talk about these issues to reduce the murder rate of African-Americans."
Smith went on to speak poignantly about his feelings and the message behind wearing the shirt and, throughout both interviews, displayed a poise and maturity that is quite admirable. Tyreke Smith is a tremendous football player — the 6'3, 260 pound defensive end is the No. 4 prospect in the country at his position, says 247 Sports — but it appears he has his sporting career in perspective as well.
