BRYANT'S JERELL SMITH NAMED NEC OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK WITH 239 YARDS VS. SAINT FRANCIS



SMITHFIELD, R.I – Bryant University running back Jerell Smith (Brooklyn, NY / St. Francis Prep) was named the Northeast Conference Offensive Player of the Week for his 239-yard rushing performance last Saturday’s 35-12 win over Saint Francis (PA). For Smith, it was a career-high for the senior who had 221 yards in the 2008 season opener against Southern Connecticut. Smith’s total were the fifth-most rushing yards by a single player in school history and moves him to within 25 yards of becoming only the third player in school history to rush for 3,000 yards in a career.



Against Saint Francis last weekend, a game played in a heavy downpour for much of the afternoon, Smith had 100 yards rushing in the first quarter and reached the 200 yard mark by halftime. He scored three rushing touchdowns, all in the first half, on runs of 23, 22 and 77. Ten of his carries resulted in either a first down or touchdown. His 239 yards were the most by a running back in the NEC this season.



Bryant (4-6, 3-4 NEC) will travel to Duquesne University this Saturday for the season finale starting at noon.