Nov. 10, 2010

Zach Smith had no intention of playing defense in college, but his plans quickly changed.

After one season at tight end, the Colgate University football coaches moved him to linebacker for two seasons before switching him to defensive end this year.

The West Deptford High School graduate has thrived at the position. Through eight games, he's Colgate's fourth-leading tackler with 28 (21 solo, nine for a loss) and has a team-high six sacks for a loss of 18 yards.

Smith was named the Patriot League Defensive Player of the Week and Football Championship Subdivision National Defensive Lineman of the Week on Oct. 6 after accumulating five tackles, three sacks and two forced fumbles in a 34-3 win over Georgetown on Oct. 2.

For the complete article by Celeste E. Whittaker of the Courier-Post (N.J.) click here