University of Northern Iowa Athletics
Elerson G. Smith Earns Second Player of the Week Honor
10/6/2019 7:00:00 PM | Football
ST. LOUIS – For the second time this season, UNI junior defensive end Elerson G. Smith earned Missouri Valley Football Conference Player of the Week after racking up 2.5 sacks and 3.0 tackles for loss in the 13th-ranked Panthers' 21-14 win over No. 18 Youngstown State Saturday.
UNI faced a Penguin squad that was among the nation's leaders in rushing and held YSU 240 yards below their season rushing average. Smith tallied six total tackles on the day and recorded an additional QB hit.
Smith leads the FCS with 7.5 sacks and is fourth in the nation with 10.5 tackles for loss. He also leads the MVFC in both categories.
UNI ranks ninth in the FCS in total defense, ninth in team tackles for loss and sixth for team sacks.
A Panther has captured Defensive Player of the Week recognition each of the last three weeks. Smith earned the honors after the win over Idaho State, and Chris Kolarevic picked up honors after the Panthers held Weber State to one offensive yard in the second half.
The Panthers have six total player of the week honors of the season, and a player has been named the Player of the Week after every panther game to date.
UNI faced a Penguin squad that was among the nation's leaders in rushing and held YSU 240 yards below their season rushing average. Smith tallied six total tackles on the day and recorded an additional QB hit.
Smith leads the FCS with 7.5 sacks and is fourth in the nation with 10.5 tackles for loss. He also leads the MVFC in both categories.
UNI ranks ninth in the FCS in total defense, ninth in team tackles for loss and sixth for team sacks.
A Panther has captured Defensive Player of the Week recognition each of the last three weeks. Smith earned the honors after the win over Idaho State, and Chris Kolarevic picked up honors after the Panthers held Weber State to one offensive yard in the second half.
The Panthers have six total player of the week honors of the season, and a player has been named the Player of the Week after every panther game to date.
Players Mentioned
LB
/ Football
DL
/ FootballUNI Panther Football: The Best Pod of your Day (Episode 13)
Wednesday, November 12
Todd Stepsis Press Conference - Nov. 10, 2025.
Tuesday, November 11
UNI Football Postgame Interview vs. Murray State - Nov. 8, 2025
Saturday, November 08
PST: Todd Stepsis - Nov. 7, 2025 (Part 1 of 3)
Friday, November 07