YSU FOOTBALL Smith has become Penguins' go-to guy

The sophomore was named top offensive player in the 16-13 loss to Kent State.
By PETE MOLLICA
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- It wasn't any real surprise when freshman Kyle Smith stepped onto the Youngstown State campus and became an immediate success last season.
Smith, a 6-foot, 165-pound wide receiver, had been a sensational high school standout at St. Francis High in western New York.
The fact that he comes from a football-oriented family didn't hurt his prospects, either. His father, A.J. Smith, is the executive vice president and general manager of the San Diego Chargers.
The elder Smith was with the Buffalo Bills while Kyle was in high school and it was right after his graduation that the family made the move to San Diego.
Smith caught seven passes for 80 yards last season as one of five freshmen to see action. He started the Penguins' last three games.
Standout in high school
He established six school records in high school, including 56 receptions his senior year and 14 in one game. He was named the most outstanding wide receiver in western New York and received the James Lofton Award.
This season Smith is the Penguins' "go to guy" leading the team with eight catches in the first three games for 161 yards and one touchdown.
Saturday night, in the Penguins' 16-13 loss to Kent State, Smith had two catches for 28 yards. Both were key receptions in YSU's 85-yard touchdown drive in the fourth period that gave the Penguins a 13-10 lead.
He also handles all the punt returns for the Penguins, and with his blazing speed, opponents try to keep the ball away from him, as Kent State did by twice punting out of bounds.
Smith is averaging 9.3 yards per punt return this season.
For his efforts Saturday Smith was named the MVR offensive player of the game, the first time he's been awarded.
Holmes defensive star
Senior defensive back Sherod Holmes, one of YSU's captains, was the MVR defensive player of the game.
The 5-8, 150-pound cornerback from Stockton, Calif., returned an interception 55 yards into Kent State territory, but the Penguins couldn't take advantage as they fumbled the opportunity away in the next series.
Holmes also had eight tackles in the game, five of them solo stops, and one for a loss.
For the second time this season redshirt freshman punter Joe Bishop was the MVR special teams player of the game.
The 5-10, 185-pounder from Canton got his first real workout of the season, punting seven times and averaging 36.3 yards. He had two punts inside the 20-yard line and one was downed at the Kent State 5.
Top linemen awards
The Jim Zdelar Big Mac Offensive Lineman award went to sophomore tackle John Bartos (6-3, 285) of Ursuline, who helped the Penguins to nearly 300 yards of offense.
Junior defensive tackle Nate Baston won the Jermaine Hopkins Big Mac Defensive Lineman award for the second straight week. The 6-1, 257-pounder from Bethel Park, Pa., had seven tackles and a fumble recovery.
Baston was also selected as the Haines Family Player of the Game, selected by the YSU radio broadcasters.
The YSU coaching staff did not select a Wash-on-Wheels Derrick Pixley Hit of the Week.
The Penguins return home on Saturday to face Florida Atlantic (1-2) at Stambaugh Stadium at 7 p.m.