.png&width=42&height=42&type=webp)
University of Minnesota Athletics
Smith Rises In Record Books
11/10/2016 12:00:00 AM | Football
The more he runs, the higher he climbs.
Powerful running, great vision, an incredible spin move and speed have helped Rodney Smith etch his name into the Minnesota record books in multiple categories.
The sophomore running back has 13 rushing touchdowns in nine game this year. That puts him in impressive company, as he is now tied with David Cobb (2014), Darrell Thompson (1987) and Jim Perkins (1976) for third most rushing scores in a single season.
The sophomore has a shot at topping this list, especially with his recent play. Smith has rushed for five touchdowns in his last two games and eight in his last four.
Smith needs four more rushing touchdowns to tie Marion Barber III (2003) for second place on the list at 17. Gary Russell rushed for a program record 18 touchdowns in 2005.
"It's definitely something you dream about growing up," Smith said of breaking school records.
Smith also returned a kickoff 94 yards against Rutgers earlier this season to give him 14 total touchdowns this year, which is the third most ever scored in a season. Barber III and Russell once again lead this group with 18 and 19 touchdowns, respectively.
Smith has rushed 177 times for 954 yards this season and is on the verge of becoming the 20th Gopher ever to rush for 1,000 yards in a season. Smith is averaging 106 yards per game and would finish the season with 1,272 yards if he remains on his current pace. That mark would place him tied for ninth all-time with Amir Pinnix, who rushed for the same amount of yards in 2006.
Smith has reached the 100-yard plateau in four consecutive games and six times this year. He is the first Gopher to accomplish this feat since David Cobb in 2014.
Smith, who is always quick to credit his teammates for his success, is not overly concerned with his individual numbers.
"I just do what I can do to help the team," Smith said.
The Georgia native has three regular season games left this year to help Minnesota accomplish its goals and in the process he will continue to write his name in the school record book.
