Who owns the jersey? #97

Summer is over. It is countdown to kickoff season. In 2012, Bull Run wanted you to "Know Your Bulls" In 2013 Bull Run took you on the "Road to Columbus" This year Bull Run asks "Who Owns the Jersey?" We will countdown from jersey number 99 to jersey number 1 both previewing the current owner of the jersey and the FBS-era all-time owner of the jersey.

Who is wearing #97 in 2015?

Zach Smekal

Hometown: Medford, New Jersey

Year: Redshirt Sophomore

Position: Defensive Line

High School: Shawnee

Freshman (2013): Smekal redshirted

Redshirt Freshman (2014): Smekal played on the scout team but failed to see any on the field action.

Outlook: Smekal is another defensive lineman looking for playing time. Undersized for the Tepper defense (listed last year at 6'3 247) the former NJ HS District leader in QB sacks should have a better opportunity as a speed rushing DE in Leopold's 4-3 system.

Who Owns #97?

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Andrae Smith

Andrae Smith owns #97 for his perseverance as well as the role he played in the 2008 championship team. Injuries limited Smith to only 25 games, his first playing season in 2005 and his second and final in 2008. Smith fought back from knee injuries and notched 3 sacks and 5.5 Tackles for loss in 2008.

Also of note, Smith scored four points in his career: In 2005, he tackled Toledo's Bruce Gradkowski for a safety and in 2008 Smith returned a blocked Ohio XP for a defensive two-point conversion:

Career Stats:

Games: 25

Tackles: 41

TFLs: 7.5

Sacks: 5

QBH: 3

FF: 1