While the 2016 season was a trying and tumultuous one for Michigan State on the gridiron, a multitude of injuries played a big role into it. One of those was that of sophomore defensive back Tyson Smith, who missed the final three games of the season due to an injury that was undisclosed to the public or media… at least until today.
Smith revealed on Thursday that the reason he missed time last year was because he suffered a stroke.
I'm "supposed "to be in a wheelchair after that stroke last year doctors say I'm blessed to still be able to walk ,talk , and run! Fast fed pic.twitter.com/esjfYSdkfk
— Tyson Smith (@_Giovanni15) May 18, 2017
Fast forward it's my birthday and I couldn't be happier to see it
— Tyson Smith (@_Giovanni15) May 18, 2017
Smith, who turns 20 on Thursday, played in eight games (four starts), recording 13 tackles, 1.5 of which were for a loss, and broke up four passes. That came after his true freshman campaign where in seven games (one start), he logged just five tackles and one PBU.
The native of Southfield, MI and product of Orchard Lake St. Mary's Prepatory is the nephew of former MSU head coach and one-year Detroit Lions assistant Bobby Williams. Of Michigan State's 22 starters from the opening week depth chart last season, Smith was one of 13 that were injured and missed significant time in some capacity at some point or another during the year.
A spokesperson with the university said that it is school policy to not disclose “detailed medical information.” Smith was also not active for the team's spring game back in early April.
