BANGOR – Cory Smith is a young man who isn’t afraid to take on a difficult challenge.

Smith is a starting defensive tackle and senior captain for coach Gabby Price at Husson College in Bangor. He also is a strong student in the school’s criminal justice program and holds down a job as a supervisor at United Parcel Service in Brewer.

“He’s like a rock. You can count on him,” Price said. “He’s a true friend and a true teammate.”

With his senior year under way, Smith is determined to make the best of it in all aspects.

“I just want to have fun,” said Smith, who grew up in Otisfield and played high school ball for Paul Bickford at Oxford Hills High School in South Paris. “We’re here to get a degree, so that’s what I’m looking forward to.”

There was a time when Smith was in serious jeopardy of not attending college, or perhaps even finishing high school.

Smith grew up in a broken home with his mother and three younger siblings. During his junior year of high school, he realized that he needed to make a change in his life.

“Freshman and sophomore year of high school, I wasn’t even considering college,” Smith explained. “My family life was not the best.

“I moved out of my mom’s house as a junior. I said, ‘I can’t do this, I’ve got to do something for myself.”

Smith, who comes from a large extended family, was taken in by a cousin. With the support of some family members, his girlfriend, Megan Arsenault, whom he is still with, and some concerned coaches, Smith was able to get on the right track.

“That was the first year I was on the honor roll,” he said. “I really turned around after that.”

Moving out was a tough decision for Smith, who hated to leave his brother and two sisters behind. But everything has worked out for the best in the long run.

Smith received guidance from Bickford, who was Oxford Hills’ guidance counselor and put him on a college-prep academic track. Principal Ted Moccia, a former football coach, also was tremendously supportive of Smith, who found an emotional outlet on the field.

“Football let me be a kid,” said Smith, who also was a talented wrestler. He won the Class A state championship in the 189-pound class as a senior in 2005.

Smith had considered attending the University of Southern Maine to wrestle, but was impressed when a recruiting letter from Price was hand-signed. He also was interested in Husson’s criminal justice program, in which he enrolled.

Price marvels at the way Smith has dealt with personal hardships by directing his energies toward productive pursuits.

“The single best thing about Cory is his outlook on life with enthusiasm and passion,” Price said. “He’s not jaded in any manner. He’s appreciative and happy and fun-loving.”

Smith has been the consummate team player for the Eagles. The 6-foot, 215-pounder, who has played mostly at linebacker during his career, was moved to defensive tackle this season.

Despite being undersized for the position, he has embraced the change with unselfishness and dedication.

“They needed me on the line. If you’re not willing to do that, then you can’t be part of a football team,” Smith said. “Same thing in life, if you don’t do things you don’t want to do, you’re not going to get anywhere.”

Smith will try to compensate for the weight disparity with his quickness, toughness and some old wrestling skills.

Smith is in for a challenging fall. A temporary position at UPS last November turned into a permanent job last March. He reports to work at 3:15 a.m. and works until mid-morning. He’ll then attend classes before reporting to practice in the afternoon.

“It’s hard, but I get it done,” said Smith, who is now considering attending graduate school to study business in the hope of moving up in the ranks at UPS.

“It’s a demanding company and Cory, like everything he’s done in his life, has excelled at it,” Price said. “Cory does not have it in him to let anybody down when someone needs him.”

Smith has maintained ties with his family. His brother Brad played for Husson last season, but is concentrating on academics this year and lives with Cory.

“I still talk to my sisters and me and my mom have a better relationship now,” Smith said.

His short-term goal is to help Husson have a successful football season. In the meantime, he is committed to academics and his job responsibilities.

“If I graduate this May, I’ll be the first in my family with a four-year degree,” Smith said. “You’ve got to look to the future.”