Smith Contributes To Quality Franklin Squad
FRANKLIN — Alex Smith, a 2012 graduate of Whitko High School, completed his junior season as a 6-5, 240-pound tight end for Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference powerhouse Franklin College Nov. 12.
In his junior campaign, Smith, a varsity contributor for the past three seasons, caught five passes for 14.6 yards per catch and two touchdowns. The second of those scores was the final trip into pay dirt of the season by any Grizzly player.
The Franklin Grizzlies tied for the conference title in 2016 and won the conference championship outright in 2014 and 2015. In his freshman season, Smith blocked what would have been a game-winning field goal by the Manchester Spartans and was one of only a handful of Grizzly freshman to dress for away games. In his sophomore season, the former Wildcat played a key role on Franklin’s kickoff return team with eight returns for 131 yards, third on the squad.
During Smith’s three seasons, the Franklin Grizzlies made two appearances in the NCAA Division III national tournament. Smith joins a large contingent of juniors returning for the 2017 season which includes a potent passing game for head coach Mike Leonard.