Sharks Land Veteran CFL Defensive End

(photo credit: cfl.ca)

Not to be outdone by their outdoor neighbors, the Jacksonville Sharks looked north of the border to add another piece to their championship puzzle. This week, the team announced that they've been assigned Khreem Smith.

The 6'4", 265 lb. Oklahoma State alum is familiar with the 50-Yard Indoor War, as he won an ArenaBowl with the Chicago Rush in 2006, his rookie season. That year, his 22.5 tackles, eight sacks, six forced fumbles, two pass break-ups and a blocked kick was enough to net a spot on the All-Rookie team and Second Team All-Arena honors. His sack total was the third highest in single-season franchise history, and his forced fumbles led the league that year.

He spent time in the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings and Kansas City Chiefs before returning to the Rush in 2008. He came back to the AFL again with the Milwaukee Iron in 2010, where he was named First Team All-Arena, and spent 2011 with the Spokane Shock.

Smith then ventured north himself after the 2011 season, joining the BC Lions to start at defensive end. Picking up where he left off, he recorded 147 tackles, 36 sacks, and six forced fumbles in a five-year stint that included a victory in the 99th Grey Cup over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2011.

A native of St. James, Jamaica, Smith started his football career at Carol City High School in Miami, where he was named First Team All-State, MVP of the Dade/Broward County All-Star Game, and defensive MVP of the Florida Shrine Bowl.

In college, he played defensive end for Garden City Community College in 2000. Starting every game that season, he received an honorable mention for the All-Jayhawk Conference team. At Oklahoma State, he recorded 94 tackles (65 solo), 8.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception, garnering Second Team All-Big 12 honors in 2003.