<strong>LowcoSports.com</strong>

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.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>

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.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>

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.

<em>Photo courtesy Presbyterian College athletics.</em>