Penn State dismissed senior wide receiver Devon Smithfrom the team Wednesday, according to a report by Lions 247. A Penn State football office source says he has no knowledge of the dismissal. Smith was listed on the initial summer depth chart as a first-string wide receiver.
Smith was charged with drug possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia in late April. Police had searched Smith’s residence while investigating a burglary in March that led them to Smith’s apartment, which he shared with defensive end Jack Crawford.
“Devon’s a good kid,” Bill O’Brien said last month. “He’s a guy that’s been around for a long time and he’s a guy that I believe in. Any punishment that takes place between Devon and the football program will be between Devon and myself. “He’ll have to appear in court, I’m sure, on a certain date, and we’ll let the process play out from there.”
Smith was Penn State’s third-leading wide receiver in 2011 with 402 yards and two touchdowns. Used primarily for his speed, Smith was expected initially to provide Penn State with a deep threat able to outrun defenders. Smith was also used on special teams in past years.
With Smith out of the picture, look to red-shirt sophomore Alex Kenney to be elevated to the first string spot at the now vacant wide receiver position, in addition to projected starters Justin Brown (senior) at one spot and either Allen Robinson (sophomore) or Shawney Kersey (red-shirt junior). On the depth chart, Kenney was listed second behind Smith.
Penn State recently dismissed defensive back Curtis Drake from the roster as well.
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Originally published on Examiner.com by author.
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