Smith

CRANBERRY TWP — When Andrew Smith chose Robert Morris University, it was strictly business.

Of course, football was on his mind as well.

Smith, a senior at Seneca Valley, will sign a letter of intent next week to play football for the Division I-AA Colonials.

"It's a business school and that's going to be my major," said Smith, of Cranberry Township. "I liked the facilities, the field is nice, the weight room is good and the coaches were great.

"I talked to coach (Joe) Walton and he was very interested in me. Coach Walton was a tight end and he believes in the tight end position," he added.

At 6-feet-3, 230 pounds, Smith starred at tight end and defensive tackle for the Raiders.

On defense, Smith recorded 59 tackles and five sack,s and was a unanimous first-team Northern Six Conference selection. He also was tapped for the Butler Eagle Sweet 16.

On offense, he led the Raiders in receptions (23), yards (275) and touchdowns (three).

"There's no question he can play at that level. He's very capable," said Raiders coach Don Holl. "He's big, strong and sudden. He can run, and for a big guy, he's explosive. He's tough enough to block on the end and ran a 6.4 at the Akron combine.

"I thought he could play in college on either side of the ball, at defensive end or tight end. But, quite honestly, tight end is the best spot for him," the coach added.

Even the Colonials were high on Smith at tight end after they saw him on film.

"They saw my speed and quickness, and that I could catch the ball real well," Smith said. "I prefer tight end. I like being a game-changer, to catch or make key blocks."

Smith also had looked at Slippery Rock University, Clarion University and Washington & Jefferson College, but the fit was apparent with the Colonials.

"I checked their roster and coach Walton (as well as Colonials tight ends coach Patrick Shepard) said he could see me starting early," Smith noted.

"There are a couple of juniors and a couple of seniors ahead of me from last year, but both said I could work my way in there," he added.

Smith acknowledges that he could use some work in route running, blocking and staying on his blocks, but he said that will come with experience.

Holl sees Smith having a tremendous upside.

"He's got good feet and he's powerful," said Holl. "He can knock you off the ball or run by you.

"Andrew's earned everything he's got," the coach added.