The 2012 season will be the sixth season at Columbia for wide receivers coach Aaron Smith and his first alongside head coach Pete Mangurian. Smith will also serve as the recruiting coordinator.
Smith joined the Lion staff in April 2007 after a year coaching the receivers at the United States
Coast Guard Academy.
Smith has coached two All-Ivy League honorees, including Austin Knowlin '10CC, Columbia all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards.
"Aaron Smith is one of the brightest, hard-working young coaches I've ever been around. His work ethic and attention to detail were evident at every point in our transition," Mangurian said. "We are very fortunate to be able to keep him as part of our staff. Aaron has tremendous potential and a bright future."
Under Smith's tutelage, Austin
Knowlin '10 was a three-time All-Ivy League wide receiver and took home first
team accolades in his senior season. In 2010, Columbia had two receivers amass more
than 400 yards receiving. Columbia
had four wideouts rack up more than 300 yards receiving during the 2009 season
as the Lions finished third in the Ivy League in total offense and points per
game.
Smith was responsible for
collaborating with the offensive coordinator to design a weekly passing game
plan at Coast Guard. He also designed and conducted individual drills for
practice, and edited and reviewed game tapes.
As an undergraduate, Smith
played football at both the University of Maryland and the University of
Connecticut.
While competing at UConn, he
was presented with two Scholar Athlete Awards: one in the fall of 2005 and one
in spring 2006.
