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Smith and Four Freshmen Honored by The Sporting News
12/16/2002 12:17:52 PM | Football
Smith was selected to the magazine's First Team All-BIG EAST squad. Smith, who finished his career ranked fifth on SU?s all-time tackles list and fifth in BIG EAST conference history with 405 stops, paced the Orange and the BIG EAST with 137 tackles in 2002. His 89 solo stops tied for ninth on SU's single-season record list. Smith ranks sixth on SU's career solo tackles record list with 244.
Gregory was named to the magazine's BIG EAST All-Freshman Team. He finished the season ranked fifth nationally, and first among freshmen, in passes defended with 21, including two interceptions and 19 breakups. His passes defended total led the BIG EAST. Against North Carolina, Gregory set a school record with six passes defended in his second collegiate game and his 21 passes defended ranks second on SU's single-season record list. He finished the season with 56 tackles, including 49 solo stops. Gregory also recovered two fumbles. He put his name in SU's record book on special teams, as well, tying the single season record with three blocked kicks. In addition, Gregory averaged 22.1 yards per kickoff return, taking 17 kicks back for 376 yards. His 149 kickoff return yards against North Carolina ranks fourth on SU's single-game record list.
Rhodes gained 568 yards on 138 carries and scored seven touchdowns as a true freshman in 2002. His 568 rushing yards ranks second on SU's freshman rushing record list behind Joe Morris' 1,001 yards in 1978. He was also SU's leading kickoff returner, gaining 589 yards on 28 returns for an average of 21.0 per return. His 589 return yards is the eighth-best single-season total in SU history. Rhodes averaged 105.7 all-purpose yards per game, which ranks seventh on SU's career record list. His 207 all-purpose plays is ninth on SU's single-season record list.
Wyche was also honored with a spot on the magazine's BIG EAST All-Freshman Team. He finished the season as the second-leading tackler among SU's defensive linemen with 41. He also had one and a half sacks, five tackles for a loss, three quarterback hurries and one forced fumble in nine games.
Ojinnaka, the first true freshman offensive lineman to start at SU since Blake Bednarz in 1986, played in nine games this year. He was part of an offensive line that led the way for SU to rush for 2,265 yards and pass for 2,252 yards. SU's passing offense produced the most yards since 1997.
