Lance Smith may be joining YSU

By Pete Mollica

The former Howland and Wisconsin running back is still undecided.

YOUNGSTOWN — Whether or not Youngstown State will add another running back to its roster is still a big question mark, says coach Jon Heacock.

Lance Smith, who played high school football at Howland and has spent the past two seasons at the University of Wisconsin, is considering joining the Penguins.

Smith was recently released by the Badgers after being suspended from the team. He was charged with battery and disorderly conduct, which resulted from an altercation between Smith and his girlfriend in July 2007.

He was placed on a first offenders program in Dane County (Wis.) and after being terminated from the program he was suspended by the team and then given his release from the school.

All Heacock would say about Smith is that Youngstown State had received official notice of his release.

“We’ve received his release from Wisconsin, but anything that happens from here on out will be up to Lance Smith,” Heacock said.

The 5-foot-10, 208-pound running back rushed 95 times for 345 yards and five touchdowns while seeing limited action for the Badgers last season. He was only permitted to play in home games because of the suspension handed down by the university.

The Penguins are a little short at running backs with potential starter senior Kevin Smith and junior transfer Dana Brown both on the injured list. Smith’s addition might be a welcomed help to the offense.

As a senior at Howland High, Smith rushed for 1,850 yards and 20 TDs.

Smith, who would have two years of eligibility remaining, has also been considering a transfer to Nebraska and Ohio University.

Because of NCAA rules he would have to sit out a season if he went to either of those schools, while he would be immediately eligible if he came to YSU.

Smith is schedule to have a probation hearing Friday and following that will probably make a decision on where he’ll continue his career.

mollica@vindy.com