Stu Smith's Spring Rise
Stu Smith was just minding his own business in the weight room, doing a plank to strengthen his core. That’s when defensive coordinator Mike Scherer idled up and starting planking next to him.
What was up?
“He kind of asked me: ‘What numbers do you like?’ “ said Smith.
This was a big moment for Smith, who was about to get tangible evidence of his meteroic rise this spring from off-the-radar transfer walk-on to starting defensive back. Smith was about to get a coveted number change, an honor typically bestowed to players on the rise.
“My goal for spring ball is I wanted to go ball out, and then I wanted to end up changing my numbers,” said Smith. “So, I already had a number in mind. And then once he asked me to change my number, I knew 3 was open, so I asked him for 3.”
No. 46 went to from No. 3. Know the number, and know the name: Sterling “Stu” Smith. There has been no bigger story thus far in spring football.
“Stu Smith is a heck of a player,” gushed Scherer. “He’s going to be a big-time part of our defense.”
Who could have seen this metamorphosis coming last season?
Smith didn’t play a snap after transferring to Purdue in 2024 from FCS Holy Cross. Now, he’s poised to be a key cog on Barry Odom’s first team.
“He was out there the first two days wearing number 46 and if you looked at him today, he was wearing number 3 because he’s earned it,” said Scherer. “That goes along with the work, right?
“Well, if you put in the work, we’re gonna reward you. He’s earned that, and he’s earned the position he’s in with the top group, and he’s done a heck of a job in that position and done everything we wanted. He’s a leader.”
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Why No. 3 for the product of Cathedral High in Indianapolis?
“I have a brand I started, an LLC, it’s called Sterling Smith Sports. So, S3. I like the three S’s. But then (also there is) the Father, Son, Holy Spirit, the Holy Trinity. I just feel like there’s a lot of power to that number, lot of different things to that number. It was calling.”
The 6-1, 198-pound Smith was part of winningest class in Cathedral football history and first 6A regional champions in Cathedral annals. He finished his prep career with 116 tackles, three interceptions, four forced fumbles, nine PBUs, 17 TFLs, two fumble recoveries and 211 return yards, earning Cathedral Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2022.
But when it came time to being recruited, Smith’s offers were from the likes of Air Force, Army, Valparaiso, Colgate and some Ivy League schools. FBS programs? They didn’t really even sniff around the two-star recruit.
“I always wanted to be at Purdue,” said Smith. “I had dreams of coming here and playing power five ball, but it just wasn’t my route. I had to go FCS first before I could get here.”
Could Smith have envisioned this type of ascent?
“Absolutely,” said Smith. “It’s always been my dream to come play at the biggest level, and I knew this is where I wanted to go. I’m an Indiana guy. I went to Cathedral High School, so I love Purdue. I have family members that played here, and this is definitely what I expected, big-time football and big-time program.”
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