Pittsburg State Gorillas

General:  Fourth-year player… a talented athlete who is battling back from a mid-season knee injury that shortened his junior campaign… appears healthy and ready to return to his All-MIAA caliber form… expected to be an impact player for the Gorillas again this fall… selected a 2012 PSU team captain by his peers.

In 2011: Started seven games before suffering a season-ending knee injury vs. Fort Hays State (Oct. 8)… made 30 tackles (15 solo), 1.0 tackle-for-loss and four interceptions on the year… recorded four tackles and two interceptions in a road win vs. Truman (Sept. 17).

In 2010: Started all 12 games in the Pitt State secondary… was second on the team in tackles with 99 (61 solo)… also recorded 7.0 TFL, 1.0 QB sacks, four PBUs, and two forced fumbles… earned honorable mention All-MIAA honors… made a season-high 14 tackles vs. Missouri Western (Sept. 25).

In 2009: Saw action in all 11 games as a true freshman… recorded 13 tackles (five solo) and one PBU for the Gorillas.

In High School: A first-team Kansas Class 2-1A All-State selection at quarterback as a senior at St. Mary’s-Colgan High School in 2008… a two-year starter for the Panthers… guided SMC to a 24-3 record in his final two prep seasons, including back-to-back Class 2-1A state runner-up finishes… also a stand-out basketball and track & field athlete.

Personal: Born November 28, 199… son of Chuck and Beth Smith… a three-year member of the MIAA Academic Honor Roll and a two-time MIAA All-Academic Team selection… also a Capital One Academic All-District pick in 2011… has a 3.68 GPA as a marketing major.