Article

Offense or Special Teams, Smith a Threat

For the second-consecutive season, senior is Mavs' most reliable scorer.

by Dan Myers
Issue date: 8/31/06 Section: Mens Sports

Minnesota State wide receiver Tyrell Smith is the Mavericks very own renaissance man.

Not only is the senior one of the top pass catchers in the NCC - just ask quarterback Ben King - but Smith is also one of the best return men in the nation. Last season, his first in Mankato, Smith broke the school record for longest punt return - sprinting 88 yards for the score.

But his record didn't last long.

Last week against Truman State, Smith caught a punt on his own 6-yard line, made a couple moves, and took off down the sideline, racing 94 yards for a touchdown. A role usually reserved for someone with a smaller one in the offense, Smith has made returning punts a trademark.

"It's something I love doing," Smith said. "When I was growing up, I always liked the good returners, like Mel Gray. I can name all the great kick and punt returners."

Unfortunately for opponents, Smith usually doesn't stop there.

In the same game last Thursday, he hauled in a 41-yard touchdown pass.

King credits Smith's uncanny ability to find the soft spot in a defensive scheme's coverage for his success.

"He runs great routes and understands the schemes," King said. "He anticipates where the ball is going to be, and he uses his great hands and great speed."

Last week, King made good use of Smith in his first game back as the Mavs' starting quarterback. Smith was the team's second leading receiver despite being the defense's top target. And although King has only been back with the team for a couple of months, he already has a great deal of confidence in Smith.

"He practices very hard and has that quickness," King said. "I know that I can get him the ball at five yards and have him take it 30."

You won't find Smith heaping great praise on himself either.

Heading into this Saturday's game at Northwest Missouri State, he is hoping that he and his 10 blockers can get something going on the punt team.

"All 10 guys on the punt return, are great blockers," Smith said. "That 94-yard return was a great return because everybody had a block."

Indeed, the Mavericks may need a special teams score this weekend to stay in the game. The Bearcats have one of the best defenses in the nation, and are coming off a season where they narrowly lost the Division II national championship to perennial power Grand Valley State. Without a doubt, Smith will be in the cross hairs again this Saturday, but even he knows, there is only so much he and the Mavericks can do.

"We just have to stick with the game plan," Smith said. "Whatever the coach has going for us, we need to do it."