Quickly: Last name is pronounced Spate... Returning to form after being slowed by injury and getting back to full speed and strength... Talented, speedy and powerful running back who can break tackles and is agile to create space... Had promising spring and is expected to have significant senior season.
2009 (Jr.): Played in all 12 games, starting two in the Louisiana Tech and Boise State games... Had 42 carries for 210 yards (5.0 ypc) with two TD's and a long of 47-yards... Added three catches for 45 yards (15.0 ypc) with a long of 28-yards... Top outing of season was San Jose State game with seven carries for 70 yards (10.0 ypc) with a 6-yard TD and adding a season-long 47-yard scamper... Also scored a 44-yard TD in LA Tech game.
2008 (So.): Did not see any action due to foot injury.
2007 (Fr.): Played in 11 games, starting six... Led team with 504 rushing yards on 129 carries (3.9 ypc) with three TD's... That season total is the third-most for a USU freshman... His season-best 99 yards against San Jose State were the most for a USU freshman in a game since 2005... Had six games with over 50 yards rushing... Season-high for carries was 22 in both San Jose State and Utah games... Had two runs over 20 yards... Scored rushing TD's on a one-yard plunge against San Jose State, a nine-yard scamper at Hawai'i and a 12-yard run against Nevada... Also had 13 catches for 57 yards (4.4 ypc)... Top game was four receptions for 32 yards at Fresno State... Had a season-long 12-yard catch against Boise State.
2006 (RS): Redshirted his first year at USU.
High School: Was a second-team all-district selection as both a junior and senior... A three-year starter... Rushed for 1,252 yards and 10 touchdowns as a senior... Was a team captain... Team went 9-2 and were the Tri-District Champions his senior year.... Also competed in track in the 100 and 200-meters.
Personal: Born July 10, 1988 in Fitchburg, Mass... Son of Princella Smith and Jimmy Speight... Majoring in health education.
