LowcoSports.com
Former Beaufort High standout Jeffrey Smyth had to hold off a few extra months for his sophomore season at Presbyterian College, but the Blue Hose defensive back is making it worth the wait.
Smyth was named the Stats Perform FCS National Defensive Player of the Week on Monday, a day after earning the same honor from the Pioneer Football League for his incredible performance Saturday.
The former multi-sport star for the Eagles became the first FCS player to return two interceptions for touchdowns in a game since 2013, helping the Blue Hose pull away from Stetson for a 26-3 road win. Smyth racked up seven solo tackles, including a sack and a tackle for loss, but the major highlight was taking two picks to the house.
Smyth scored on a 30-yard interception return in the second quarter and added a 52-yard pick-6 in the third quarter, giving him a team-high three interceptions in five games this season. Smyth ranks third on the team in solo tackles (20) and total tackles (32) to go along with 5.5 tackles for loss, a sack, four pass defenses, three quarterback hurries, and a fumble recovery.
Smyth will be back in action when Presbyterian (2-3) hosts Davidson on Saturday in a rematch of the Wildcats’ 41-24 home win March 20.
Photo courtesy Presbyterian College athletics.
