WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ- Monmouth University fifth-year senior defensive lineman Dimitrius Smith (Millstone, NJ/Jackson Memorial/Milford Academy) has been invited to the Los Angeles Rams' Rookie Mini Camp, starting next Thursday.

"It was a long and stressful process, you really don't know what is or when it is going to happen," said Smith. "I've been working hard every day just trying to get a shot. This is something I've wanted and worked for all my life since pop warner. All it takes it just one team to believe in me. I got a call from the head scout, who offered me to come to their rookie minicamp. I'm looking to go out there and dominate, to make a name for myself. Once I do that and get into their training camp and it is time to prove everyone wrong."

Smith has appeared in 43 career games for the Blue & White, tallying 135 tackles from his defensive tackle position. The three-year starter had 13.5 tackles for a loss and 3.5 sacks while recovering four fumbles. He was named team-captain prior to his junior campaign, one which had him record 39 tackles including 6.5 for a loss and three fumble recoveries. Last year as a fifth-year senior Smith had a career-high 41 tackles while starting every game.

The Hawks currently have three players on NFL rosters, tight ends Neal Sterling (Jaguars) and Hakeem Valles (Cardinals) and wide receiver Chris Hogan of the New England Patriots. Earlier this week, fellow defensive lineman Darnell Leslie was invited to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' minicamp.

Monmouth will open the 16 million dollar Monmouth Stadium, which is under construction, on September 2, when it hosts Lafayette in the 2017 opener.

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