Saturday, February 9, 2013

45. Matt Smith - Kentucky



Matt Smith - 69                            Kentucky                                             6-4 296

2012: Selected to play in Texas vs. the Nation All-Star Game. One of eight finalists for the 2012 Wuerffel Trophy, which is a national award that honors the college football player who best combines exemplary community service with outstanding academic and athletic achievement. Played in 12 games.
2011: Season got off to a slow start. Missed the first two games with a sprained ankle. Bounced back to play in the last 10 games, starting the final nine. Was on the watch list for the Rimington Trophy for the nation's best center.
2010: Played well in his first season as the starting center. Started all 13 games. Earned the job after winning the center battle in fall camp with his consistent play. Helped UK rank in the nation's top 25 in fewest quarterback sacks allowed.
2009: Played in six games. Saw extensive action in the season opener vs. Miami when Jorge Gonzalez and Marcus Davis were sidelined.
2008: Redshirt season. Was named the Offensive Scout Team Player of the Week prior to the Mississippi State game.
High School: First-team all-state as a senior by the Louisville Courier-Journal. Named to the "Class of the Commonwealth" listing of the top 22 seniors in Kentucky by the Lexington Herald-Leader. Also tabbed for the "Kentucky Tremendous 26". Played primarily in the defensive line for perennial power St. Xavier HS in Louisville. Helped St. Xavier reach the state finals in his senior and sophomore seasons, going 14-1 in each campaign. Known for his upper-body strength and playing savvy. Saw occasional action at tight end. Although he played mostly on defense in high school, he could see action on either side of the ball in college. Scout.com lists him as the No. 63 offensive guard in the country. Coached by Mike Glaser. Played in the Kentucky East-West All-Star Game. Was the leading tackler for the winning West team with seven tackles, including 3.5 tackles for loss and a quarterback sack. Participated on his school's powerlifting team. Won a national powerlifting meet in Texas as a freshman. Won another national meet in Wisconsin his sophomore year. Also a competitive swimmer on a club team, competing in all four events. Member of the National Honor Society.
Personal: Born in Louisville, Ky.. Son of Steve and Mary Smith. Major is middle school education. Participated in a youth literacy event and an event at the Veterans Hospital (2010).  Also worked with Read Across America, Camp Cedarmore and the Big Blue U Move-In (2011).

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