Derek went on to play three years for the University of Kentucky Wildcats, where he set many school and SEC records for a tight end. Smith left Kentucky after three years to enter the NFL Draft. Listed at 6'4" lb ( kg), Smith signed with the Indianapolis Colts practice squad and later signed with the St. Louis Rams and the Cincinnati Bengals. After he was released by the Bengals, Smith went back to college at Northern Kentucky University where he played basketball for the Norse in 2004.