Costa Mesa’s Smith signs with Division II football program

“Super” Mario Smith has decided where he will run with the football in college.

Smith has signed a national letter of intent with the Southwestern Oklahoma State University football program, said Costa Mesa High Coach Wally Grant.

Smith decided to join the Division II program from Weatherford, Okla., after he rushed for 2,155 yards and 28 touchdowns on 197 carries in his only season with the Mustangs. Sacramento State and New Mexico State showed interest in the elusive Smith.

Smith earned All-CIF Southern Section Southern Division and Daily Pilot Newport-Mesa Dream Team honors, the Orange Coast League MVP, and he made the All-Orange County third-team offense.

Smith, a transfer from Silverado of Victorville, helped Costa Mesa (8-3, 4-1 in league) contend for a league title in the regular-season finale and return to the playoffs after missing the postseason in 2010.

Smith set a Costa Mesa single-season school record for total touchdowns with 30, two coming on kickoff returns. He broke Charles Chatman’s 29-touchdown total established in 1994.

Smith totaled 1,095 yards and 19 touchdowns on the ground in five league contests. His biggest game was a 356-yard, seven-touchdown rushing performance in a 63-47 win at Laguna Beach. The seven rushing touchdowns is a Costa Mesa single-game school record.

— David Carrillo Peñaloza, @DCPenaloza