Western Carolina University

2023 (Redshirt Freshman): Saw action in five games as a reserve along the defensive line … Credited with seven total tackles on the year with half a tackle for loss … Posted two tackles both at Arkansas (Sept. 2) and against ETSU (Nov. 11) with a season-high three in the home win over Charleston Southern (Sept. 23) including his half TFL for three yards of losses.

2022 (Freshman): Saw action in four games on the year as a defensive reserve, remaining eligible for a redshirt … Made his collegiate debut in the season-opener at Charleston Southern (Sept. 3) … Credited with nine tackles on the year with three solo stops and a quarterback hurry … Posted his first career tackle at Mercer (Oct. 8), finishing with two tackles … Had a career day with seven tackles at Furman (Oct. 15) in his fourth career game played.

Prior to Western Carolina: Played his high school football at Riverside High in Durham before finishing at Palmetto Prep in West Columbia, S.C., in 2021 … Recorded 58 tackles including 36 solo stops, averaging 7.3 tackles per game in his final season at Riverside High, adding 12 quarterback hurries and five passes defended.

Personal: Full name is Brandon Thadous Smiley ... Is the son Selena and Spencer Smiley ... Was born on Long Island, N.Y. ... Has a brother, Darius.