The Sacaramento, California native played his prep ball at Del Oro High School in nearby city of Loomis. As a quarterback prospect, Smartt chose to take the JUCO route and signed with Riverside City Community College where enjoyed short, but prolific, career.
During his two-year career at Riverside, Smartt passed for 2,754 yards and 31 touchdowns. He was also a threat on the ground as he added 583 yards and nine more touchdowns. In his final season, he was named a First-Team JUCO All-American, the SCFA Offensive Player of the Year, and California State Offensive Player of the Year.