Purdue receiver Smith denied sixth year

The NCAA has denied Purdue receiver Keith Smith a sixth year of eligibility after a knee injury prematurely ended his 2010 season.

Purdue coach Danny Hope expressed disappointment in a news release from the school on Monday.

Smith led the Big Ten with 91 catches during the 2009 season, and he caught 18 passes for 123 yards in two games last season before tearing the medial collateral and anterior cruciate ligaments in his right knee. He was hurt on a tackle in the fourth quarter of a 31-21 win over Western Illinois and had surgery on Oct. 18.

Smith, who was recruited as a quarterback and played one season at safety, finished his career with 158 catches for 1,709 yards and eight touchdowns.