Penn State and its fans weren’t expecting Corey Smith to have as big a role as he ended up having as a true freshman last season.
Granted, 152 yards and no touchdowns on 22 carries are hardly crazy numbers.
But context is important.
Coming into the season, Smith was fifth on the Penn State RB totem pole. Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen were the obvious 1A and 1B.
Behind them was sophomore Cam Wallace, then true freshman Quinton Martin, then Smith.
Then, Martin dealt with injuries through spring ball that put him behind schedule.
Wallace suffered a season-ending injury in Week 3.
This made Smith next in command, and he made the most of his opportunities.
Height: 5-foot-10
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Weight: 193 pounds
Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Before Penn State: Smith starred at Catholic Memorial High School, where he helped his team to two state title games and the 2021 state championship over the course of his career. As a senior, he missed most of the season with an injury. When healthy as a junior, Smith dominated, ending the year with 1,600 all-purpose yards. He had 1,800 as a sophomore, the year Catholic Memorial went undefeated and won the state title. A consensus four-star recruit, Smith committed to Penn State in April 2023 and signed in December.
Last year: Smith had one of the more exciting runs of Penn State season, going for 78 yards against Washington. That was the first time Penn State fans really got to see what he could do at the college level, and they’re hoping it’s just an appetizer.
Where he stands: It’s hard to say Smith has the third-string job locked down, what with Martin and Wallace both healthy. But it’s probably fair to say the job is his to lose. If— heaven forbid— things go wrong with Singleton or Allen, Smith’s role would become all the more important.
A quote by Smith: “I didn’t have any thoughts on being in the portal,” Smith said. “I mean me as a player, I feel like, regardless of the situation, I’m gonna ball out to my highest expectations, and I feel like it’s gonna be at Penn State.” — Smith on if he considered transferring due to RB coach Ja’Juan Seider’s departure to Notre Dame
A quote about Smith: ”Corey is the most electric athlete that’s played in this program. He has legit speed with a 4.4 [in the 40-yard dash], the fastest that our school has had. He is electric with the ball in his hands. He is a natural leader with a great personality, leading by example and making a big impact on younger kids. He is kind to everyone and he is going to do great things. We’re really excited that he has an opportunity to take his game to the next level at Penn State.” — Catholic Memorial coach Bill Young, via Sports Illustrated
