Penguins’ Smith gets 2nd chance

Running back Kevin Smith missed all of the 2008 season with a hamstring but got a redshirt to return.

By PETE MOLLICA

VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF

YOUNGSTOWN — A year ago, Kevin Smith never played a down for the Youngstown State football team. In fact, he didn’t practice very much because of a pulled hamstring.

But that year off seems to have made the 5-foot-10, 195-pound senior tailback an even better player this year.

The Penguins redshirted Smith last year — his senior season — giving him another year of eligibility and he plans on making the most of it.

“I got hurt early in camp and just couldn’t play last year,” Smith said. “But while I wasn’t on the field, I was working very hard in the weight room getting stronger and it has definitely paid off this season.”

Smith came to the Penguins in 2007 as a transfer from Grossmont (Calif.) Community College and he had an outstanding year.

He was selected to the Gateway all-newcomer team, playing in nine games (starting the final seven), rushing for a team-high 610 yards on 123 attempts and scoring 10 touchdowns. He also caught 13 passes for 80 yards and a touchdown. His 11 touchdowns tied for the most on the team and he had two 100-yard rushing games.

“I’m in pretty good shape right now, but I know that I could be in even better shape,” he said. “Right now, it’s getting into football shape. It’s a lot different than running around without any pads on.

“I missed being out on the field last season, but hopefully it’s going to make me a better player this year,” he said. “Last year was a pretty rough season with all the injuries, but there were a whole lot of young players that gained a lot of experience that is only going to make us a better team this year.”

Smith had his best game in 2007 against Indiana State when he rushed for 122 yards on 14 carries, including a season-best 40-yard scamper, and scored once.

Against Missouri State, he finished with 102 yards on 15 carries and scored three touchdowns. He also caught a 17-yard touchdown pass against Western Illinois that helped quarterback Tom Zetts set a school record for career TD passes.

He was named the Gateway offensive player of the week for his effort against Missouri State.

Smith was a first-team All-Foothills Conference selection at Grossmont and in a nine-game regular season he rushed for 613 yards and 10 touchdowns.

At Helix High School in San Diego, Smith rushed for 1,456 yards his senior season with 15 touchdowns where he replaced 2005 Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush at running back.

“Everybody is pretty excited this season,” Smith said. “This team has so much potential. It’s going to take a lot of hard work and everybody including our young players appears focused at the job ahead. We must stay positive and just continue to keep working hard.”

The Penguins will practice once today and twice Wednesday, all at Stambaugh Stadium.

mollica@vindy.com