SYRACUSE — DeAndre Smith has been hired as running backs coach at Syracuse University by new head coach Scott Shafer, the school announced on Monday.

“DeAndre Smith is a dynamic recruiter who has experience covering all parts of the nation to bring in some of the best student-athletes.” Shafer said.

Smith joins the Orange’s coaching staff after serving as running backs coach at the University of New Mexico last season — a post he also held at the University of Illinois in 2010 and 2011.

Smith’s connection with Shafer and Syracuse offensive coordinator George McDonald began at Northern Illinois, where Smith was running backs coach from 2001 through 2004. Smith, a St. Louis native, also worked on the staff at Miami of Ohio from 2005-07, serving as running game coordinator and running backs coach before being promoted to associate head coach in his final season.

A graduate of Missouri State, Smith was a standout quarterback for the Bears, including earning All-America honors, and led his team to two consecutive Gateway Conference Championships (1989-90). Smith went on to play professionally for the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League (1992) and in France (1993).

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