Gill Adds Pair of WNY Standouts To 2007 Class

McKinley’s Sergio Smith and West Irondequoit’s Ted Carlson joins 20 new faces to UB football

Turner Gill

BUFFALO, NY – Head football coach Turner Gill expanded his second class of football recruits by two with a pair of Western New York standouts adding offensive guard Ted Carlson (Irondequoit, NY/West Irondequoit) and linebacker Sergio Smith (Buffalo, NY/McKinley).

Carlson earned three letters for the West Irondequoit Eagles, spending his final season as captain. Carlson’s success in using his 6’4”, 295-pound body to bully the opponent’s defensive line earned him a spot on the All-Greater Rochester first team and All League first team following his senior campaign. He also earned a spot on the All-League roster his junior year, making the second team. Carlson will participate in the 2007 Eddie Meath All-Star Game – featuring the best Rochester-area players – this summer.

“We’re very happy to have Ted join our program,” said Gill. “He is an outstanding prospect with great size and athleticism. He is also an excellent student.”

Carlson has also earned two letters in track and field by throwing shot put and discus. He was part of the 2005 Section V Class A Championship team. Carlson chose to attend UB because of his “ability to play Division I football and UB’s excellent business school.”

Gill’s class now expands to 21 recruits, including eight from New York. Carlson is the third offensive lineman to commit to the Bulls for the upcoming season.

Smith, 6-1, 210, who played for head coach Bill Johnson at McKinley High in Buffalo, was the Harvard Cup Defensive Player of the Year in 2005 and was the Harvard Cup Player of the Year last fall as a senior. A first-team All-Western New York selection, Smith led the Macks with 117 tackles, while adding three sacks, two fumble recoveries and an interception.

“Sergio is a physical player who demonstrates a passion for the game of football,” said Gill. “We’re thrilled to have another All-Western New York player join our program.”

An excellent all-around athlete, Smith was his team’s captain on the gridiron and was also the city champion in the 100-yard dash last spring.

02/22/2007