Ryan Smith was selected third overall in the 2020 National Lacrosse League draft by the Rochester Knighthawks in September, and today, the former men’s lacrosse standout signed a rookie contract with Rochester, good for two years.

We have signed third overall pick, @Smith_Ryan5, to a two-year deal.

FULL STORY: https://t.co/w0Q1LBH1vU@NLL | @RMUMLacrosse | @OakvilleRock pic.twitter.com/iW9F3JBRGC

— Rochester Knighthawks (@RocKnighthawks) June 2, 2021

As a graduate student in 2021, Smith set career-highs with 48 goals and 71 points while also establishing single-season records for points (71), points-per-game (5.46), and goals-per-game (3.69).

Smith was on an absolute tear this season for the independent Colonials, recording hat tricks in 11 of his 13 appearances this past season and registered multiple-assist outings on seven different occasions. The offense was fueled by Smith as the tam put up great performances against several high-ranking opponents.

He finished the season ranked second in the NCAA in goals-per-game and fourth in points-per-game earning All-America Honorable Mention accolades from USILA, Inside Lacrosse, US Lacrosse Magazine, and College Crosse.

In five seasons with the Colonials, Smith scored 142 goals and totaled 217 points in 69 career games, all of which are most in program history.

He sits second all-time in career points-per-game (3.14) and games started (59) and third in goals-per-game (2.06) and assists (75).

Smith, who hails from Burlington, Ontario, Smith was also a three-time All-NEC selection and remains the only player in RMU history to win NEC Rookie of the Year honors.

Last season, the Knighthawks went 2-10, finishing in 5th place in the league’s East Division. Smith will look to build upon his great career at RMU and will look to turn a new leaf in Rochester and try to help them perform better this season.