Virginia picks up All-Ivy cornerback from Penn

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Posted on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, 7:25 pm

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By Jerry Ratcliffe

Photo: Penn Athletics

Virginia addressed one of its pressing needs for next season when the Cavaliers added graduate-transfer cornerback Kendren Smith from Penn to the 2024 roster.

Smith, who hails from Charlotte, N.C., was a two-time, All-Ivy League performer at Penn, a first-team selection in 2022 and second-team this past season. The 6-foot-1, 200-pound corner also held offers from Florida Atlantic, Georgia State, Tulsa, Arkansas State, Ohio U., North Texas, Georgia Southern, Samford, Austin Peay, New Hampshire and Delaware.

Smith was considered the No. 1 FCS defensive back in the transfer portal.

With several defensive backs graduating, transferring or exhausting their eligibility, Virginia coach Tony Elliott was in search of some candidates to plug those holes. With Malcolm Greene returning along with true freshman Dre Walker (three starts), the Cavaliers need some experience in those spots.

Smith visited UVA the weekend of the Virginia Tech game on an unofficial stop, then made an official visit last weekend.

A team captain for the Quakers last season, Smith posted 58 tackles, including 42 solo stops, broke up 8 passes, had 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack and 2 quarterback hurries.

During his 33-game career at Penn, he amassed 138 tackles (105 solo), 7 tackles for loss, 24 passes defended, 2 interceptions, 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries.

Virginia now has added four players via the portal, including Notre Dame wide receiver Chris Tyree, Harvard tight end Tyler Neville and Akron linebacker Corey Thomas.