Imhotep’s Tykee Smith receives dream call being drafted by Tampa Bay

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Anthony Franklin | April 27, 2024

Tykee Smith born and raised in West Philadelphia is a 2019 graduate of Imhotep Charter. As a star DB he led the Panthers to appearances in 3 state title games. Among his most memorable games were an semifinal game in 2018 where unexpectedly he was thrusted into the starting line up on offense as their running back and produced 253 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns in a 33-14 win over Bethlehem Central Catholic. He would garner offers from the likes of Maryland, Syracuse, Michigan State, Pittsburgh, Baylor, NC State and a host of other universities. Ultimately he would choose West Virginia.

Tykee would enroll in June shortly after graduating from Tep and make an immediate strong impression as he would make an appearance in all 12 games and recorded 8 starts producing 53 tackles, a sack and 2 interceptions which helped him get named to the All Big 12 team as an honorable mention selection well as Football Writers Freshman All American honors. He’d follow that up with a great sophomore campaign where he would garner numerous honors including: All-America First Team (Pro Football Focus, Rivals)…Second Team All-America by Football Writers, Sporting News and Phil Steele, Third Team by AP…All-Big 12 First Team by PFF and Phil Steele, 2nd team by AP and a semifinalist for the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award. As a sophomore at WVU he racked up 61 tackles, 2 interceptions and would bet on himself after entering the transfer portal.

Ultimately after numerous suitors from across the country he choose University of Georgia as his next home. Jumping from the Big 12 to the SEC many wondered how he would fare and unfortunately a preseason injury kept him out the first 5 games in 2021. He’d play primarily on special teams as a redshirt sophomore and return as a junior with a larger role defensively. He would be a contributor as a redshirt junior in 2022 as the Bulldogs won the NCAA championship. In 2023 he would start all 12 games racking up a team leading 70 tackles, 4 interceptions, 2 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss as he would be named an all SEC selection as well as 2nd team All-American by CBS before declaring for the 2024 draft.

Despite many obstacles growing up in a dangerous rough and tough city Tykee stayed focused received his bachelors Degree from Georgia in Sociology while playing at a high level and got to experience the phone call he’s dreamed his whole life surrounded by family including his 2 year old daughter Zyla, friends and with his former teammate’s as Tampa Bay quickly announced him as their 3rd round draft pick. Distance won’t be an issue anymore for Tykee with regards to him having his daughter close to him as the last 3 seasons at Georgia paid off and now he’s an NFL player with the financial means to have her close by daily.

Tykee became the 4th Tep player to be drafted into the NFL with RB David Williams (2018 7th round Denver), WR DJ Moore (2018 1st round) and DE Shaka Toney (2021 7th round Washington) also all being drafted. Tep has also produced over a handful of others who have earned undrafted free agent deals like OL Yasir Durant, DB Prince Smith, OL Jahmir Johnson, OLB Andre Mintze and DB Najee Goode.

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