NAL Champion Lineman Brackin Smith Signs with Sharks

Former Empire Offensive Lineman joins Jacksonville for 2022

JACKSONVILLE – The Jacksonville Sharks announced today the signing of former Albany Empire offensive lineman Brackin Smith who enters his second season in the National Arena League but first with the Jacksonville Sharks. 

Smith (6’3, 300) spent his rookie season with the Albany Empire where he was an offensive lineman on the Empire’s league leading line that ranked #1 in the NAL for points scored (547), rushing yards (371), and total offense (2,575). Brackin also helped Albany in their first season in the NAL to a 9-1 record where they suffered their only defeat of the year in the Shark Tank against Jacksonville. The Empire defeated the Lions last season to become 2021 NAL champions. 

Smith had a productive college career that started at Charleston Southern where he started in all 11 games for the Bucs his senior year and led the team in pancakes during the 2017 season. Brackin helped CSU become the #26 FCS school in the nation in rushing offense anchored the teams 4-1 home record, Smith was invited to compete in the senior FCS Bowl. Brackin finished his college career at Valdosta State as a graduate student where he played in 10 games during the 2019 season, VSU had an incredible 8-0 regular season record and a 10-1 overall record making it all the way to the Division II Second Round Playoff against West Florida. Smith and the Blazers finished the year with an average of 38 points per game. Brackin Smith ended his college career playing in both a FCS Bowl Game, Division II Playoff Game, and the Division II All-Star Bowl game. 

Smith is a native of Winder, GA where he played football at North Oconee. He was a two-way lineman that amassed 36 sacks on defense and 37 pancakes on offense. He was named offensive & defensive player of the week for his region multiple times and awarded both 8A First Team All-Region and 8A Second Team All-State. 

About the Jacksonville Sharks

The Jacksonville Sharks are members of the National Arena League (NAL). The 2019 & 2017 NAL Champions and ArenaBowl XXIV Champions play all their home games at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. Sharks Nation Memberships for the 2022 season are now available. To become a Shark Nation member or for more information please call (904) 621-0700. Follow the Sharks on Facebook at facebook.com/jaxsharks and on Twitter and Instagram @jaxsharks, as well as the Attack Dance Team at facebook.com/sharkattackdance and Chum at facebook.com/chumsharks.