LEESBURG, Va. --- Tusculum College's Xzanvion Smith has been named one of the four Beyond Sports College Network's Division II National Special Teams Players of the Week, announced officials Monday.
Smith, 5-11, 190-pound junior receiver from Anderson, S.C.,
returned two kickoffs for touchdowns in Tusculum's 49-39 homecoming
win over Brevard College this past weekend. On the day, he
recorded four total touchdowns, including two scoring catches.
Smith's special teams touchdowns came on back-to-back returns in
the game's opening quarter. The first went for 79 yards, putting
TC up 14-7. Then, after Brevard scored a touchdown on its next
drive, Smith answered by returning the ensuing kickoff 83 yards for
another score.
The returns were only part of a career day for Smith as he piled up 149 yards on six receptions to finish with a school-record 311 all-purpose yards. He was also named the South Atlantic Conference Special Teams Player of the Week.
Smith is averaging a South Atlantic Conference best 194.2 all-purpose yards per game, which is the third-best average in the country. His 139 receiving yards per game average is third in the nation, while his 7.6 receptions per contest are tied for 12th-best in the country. His 34.5 kickoff return average is also sixth in the land.
Earlier this season, Smith was named the College Football Offensive Player of the Week by the Tennessee Sports Writers Association.
Tusculum (2-3) returns to action this Saturday when the Pioneers host UNC Pembroke (4-1) for a 1:30 p.m. kickoff at the Niswonger Sports Complex and Pioneer Field.
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