Tyrone Smith began his Penn State career at tight end, but has transitioned to the defensive line where he earned time in eight games last season. In addition to his efforts on the D-Line, he also has been a contributor on the special teams, returning one kickoff. An All-City League player at Pittsburgh[apos]s Langley High School, Smith should have an opportunity to earn a larger role in the interior defensive line rotation with continued progress. Smith[apos]s efforts in the strength and conditioning program have helped him gain 10 pounds over the past year. Smith was added to the Nittany Lion roster after competing in a pair of walk-on tryouts during the 2012 spring semester. He is among 11 returning Nittany Lions from Western Pennsylvania.
2013 Freshman Season
In his first season on the field, Smith played in eight games on defense and special teams. He recorded five tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss, and had a kickoff return at Ohio State. He made his Nittany Lion debut in the season-opening win over Syracuse. Smith made two stops, including 0.5 TFL, against Eastern Michigan for his first career tackles. He collected a solo tackle against Kent State and posted one solo hit in the Big Ten-opener at Indiana. He made one tackle in the four-overtime win over Michigan.
High School
Smith lettered in football for Langley High School as a defensive end and tight end. A team captain, he was an All-City League selection as a senior playing for Coach Kenny Wright. He also lettered in baseball and basketball.
Personal
Full name is Tyrone Davon Smith. He is the son of Erskine Smith and Kelly Collington and grandson of Yvonne Smith. He has one older brother, Erskine, and two younger sisters, Honesti Dennison and Miracle Collington. He enjoys working out and playing video games. He is a kinesiology major and is interested in pursuing a career as a physical therapist or strength and conditioning coach. Born August 10, 1992 in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Tyrone Smith Season 2012
#88PositionDT
Weight251 lbs
Height6-4
ClassJunior
HometownPittsburgh, Pa.
ClassSO