Countdown to Kickoff: Smith Looks For Three Straight
8/22/2002 9:19:51 AM | Football
Smith’s dominance of opponents began in the 1999 season, when he was named to The Sporting News Freshman All-America team. He followed the strong start by earning first-team All-BIG EAST and All-ECAC honors both his sophomore and junior years. This season, Smith could become just the 10th player in BIG EAST history to earn first-team honors at least three times.
In Syracuse’s 26-3 win over Kansas State last year, Smith was named the Insight.com Bowl Most Valuable Player, accumulating a team-high 12 tackles, a career-high 2.0 sacks and forcing a fumble.
Judging by the 2002 preseason award lists, Smith’s outstanding performance in the Insight.com Bowl is a preview of what to expect this year. He is a candidate for virtually every major defensive award, including the Butkus Award (Nation’s Outstanding Linebacker), the Lombardi Award (Nation’s Lineman of the Year), the Nagurski Trophy (Nation’s Outstanding Defensive Player) and the Bednarik Award (Nation’s Best Defensive Player). Street & Smith’s rated him the hardest hitter in the BIG EAST while also naming him an honorable mention All-American.
Smith and the Orange kick off their 2002 season on August 29 in Provo, Utah against Brigham Young. The Orangemen will open the home portion of their schedule on September 7 when they host North Carolina in the Carrier Dome. For tickets call 888-DOMETIX or visit www.dometix.com.
