ATLANTA -- New week, new position ... no problem for Glenn Smith. The versatile athlete for the Georgia State offense can excel as a running back, a receiver and a return specialist on punts and kickoffs.
Smith's varied skills will be on display as Georgia State opens Sun Belt Conference play at Appalachian State Saturday at noon. Watch Glenn and the Panthers on PeachtreeTV in Atlanta or ESPN3, or listen to the Georgia State Radio Network, including 1340 The Fan 3.
Smith's adaptability was evident in his strong performance at No. 9 wisconsin. Normally Georgia State's starting running back, he lined up as a slot receiver while starter Penny Hart was injured, and he covered a career-high 131 yards on five catches, setting up both GSU touchdowns with long receptions.
One week earlier at Air Force, he had an 88-yard kickoff return to set up a touchdown.
For the season, Smith is second in the Sun Belt in all-purpose yards per game (146.3) and kickoff return average (31.9).
Smith’s ability to be successful at multiple positions began during his days at Northside High School in Warner Robins, Ga., where he played football with current teammates Robert Davis and Trey Payne.
“I played receiver, running back and quarterback in high school,” Smith said. “Switching positions isn’t something I’m not used to. In high school, I did it a lot. So it’s something I know how to handle, but I still have to learn how to handle it better at times.”
Smith appears to be handling the transitions well as he led the Panthers in rushing for the 2015 season, rushing for 356 yards on 89 carries with one touchdown. He added 17 receptions for 115 yards while averaging 21.6 yards on seven kickoff returns.
Being able to showcase his talent at receiver is one aspect that led Smith to Georgia State.
“I came to Georgia State because they offered me a spot at receiver and they were the only school to offer me at receiver,” Smith said. “I really wanted to play receiver.”
During his freshman season, Smith caught seven passes for a total 83 yards with one touchdown. Smith saw his best game against Texas State as he caught three passes for a total of 52 yards including a 39-yard touchdown. Thus, proving why he was a prime receiver recruit. Smith also averaged 18.5 yards on 13 kickoff returns in his first season as a Panther.
Smith’s quiet demeanor is something he is known for amongst his teammates.
“I don’t talk much,” Smith admitted with a smile.
Having the pleasure of growing up with two older sisters, Smith said it wasn’t much of a challenge to be the only boy. Which also contributed to his reserved nature.
“I have two sisters,” Smith said. “They’re both older, married and have kids. I’m the only boy. They’re so far ahead of me in age, so I didn’t really grow up with them. One of them is about eight years older than me. So when I was in elementary school, she was in high school, and when she left for college I was just going to middle school.”
With his immediate family less than two hours away from Atlanta, Smith has not traveled too far away from home.
An economics major at Georgia State, Smith has been recognized on the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll.
