By Staff
Kim West
Franklin County Times
GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – Jarrell NeSmith, who graduated from Russellville High School in 2004, has been recognized for his achievements on and off the field this season at Tusculum College.
NeSmith, a sophomore pre-med major, has been named the 2007 South Atlantic Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year. He earned a 4.0 GPA and was named to the SAC Commissioner's Honor Roll, Tusculum Athletic Director's Honor Roll, Dean's List, President's List and Charles Oliver Gray Honors List.
NeSmith was among five Tusculum players selected to the 2007 "ESPN The Magazine" Academic All-District IV College Division Team. He was named to the first team, which made him eligible for the Academic All-American ballot.
NeSmith, a 6-2, 215-pound tight end, started all 11 games for the Pioneers, who won the SAC championship this season. He finished third on the team with 31 receptions for 325 yards, including two touchdown catches.
NeSmith caught 30 passes for 651 yards and six touchdowns during his senior year at Russellville. He averaged a team-leading 21.7 yards per catch for the Golden Tigers, who compiled a 40-5 record and made three consecutive trips to the Class 5A state finals from 2002-04.