John Smolenski

Height:
6-5
Weight:
245
Class:
Freshman
Hometown:
Phelan, CA
High School:
Serrano HS

An offensive lineman last fall, worked out on defensive front as well as at tight end during Spring Camp ... will challenge several other candidates for starting nod at tight end this fall.

2022 -- Redshirt ... played four games, including one start in season finale against Portland State, on the offensive line ... made one tackle on special teams against Portland State ... notched a pass breakup and a tackle in 2023 Spring Game.

2021 -- Played in seven games as a backup on the defensive front line ... earned four tackles, including two in win over Idaho State ... will back up Josh Ngaluafe and Altonio Vakameilalo at nose tackle this fall.

2020 (Spring 2021) -- Played in all three games and recorded four total tackles (one solo) ... season-high two tackles at Eastern Washington and one each versus Southern Utah and UC Davis ... preserves year of eligibility due to COVID-19 pandemic.

High School -- Smolenski garnered 69 tackles (37 solo), including nine for lost yardage and five sacks, as a senior under head coach Casey Maholchic at Serrano High School ... Diamondbacks went 12-1 in 2019, capturing the Mojave River League title and advancing to the semifinals of the CIF-Southern Section Division 7 playoffs ... Smolenski also recorded three quarterback hurries, three pass breakups and one fumble recovery ... was named to the All-Mojave River League, All-Area and All-CIF-Southern Section Division 7 teams. His statistics as a junior included 56 tackles (31 solo), 10 for lost yardage and one sack along with three fumble recoveries and one forced fumble ... made the school's Honor Roll and served as president of the Geology Club ... chose to attend Cal Poly because of "the combination of a great football program and its esteemed academics reputation."

Personal -- Son of Chris and Jana Smolenski ... both parents are elementary school teachers ... one sister, Anne, a member of the Sacramento State rowing team ... hobbies include surfing, rock climbing and snowboarding ... wants to be an orthodontist ... majoring in kinesiology.