Jan. 17, 2012
LEXINGTON, Ky. – University of Kentucky football seniors Taiedo Smith and Ronnie Sneed have accepted invitations to participate in the Battle of Florida All-Star Game on Saturday, Jan. 21 in Boca Raton, Fla.
The game will feature players from North Florida battling against players from South Florida. Players must be eligible for the National Football League draft and have either been born in Florida or have played high school or college football in Florida. Former Florida State head coach Bobby Bowden will coach the North, while UK Athletics Hall of Famer and former UK letterman Howard Schnellenberger will coach the South. Assistant coaches will be made up of NFL coaches, former NFL players, and collegiate coaches.
Smith, who is a three-time Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll member, played in 32 gaems with three starts while at Kentucky. Smith, who played his high school football in Dunnellon, Fla., made his biggest play in the final game of his career when he intercepted Tennessee quarterback Tyler Bray to seal the Wildcats’ first win against the Volunteers in 27 years. Smith, who missed much of the past two seasons because of injury, finished the 2011 season with nine tackles, one interception and one fumble recovery. Smith completed his bachelor’s degree before the start of the 2011 season and is currently working on his master’s with a goal of becoming a marriage and family counselor.
Sneed performed extremely well at the linebacker position for Kentucky in his final two seasons. The native of Tallahassee, Fla., played in 42 career games for UK, making 25 consecutive starts to end his career. Sneed finished his career with 148 tackles, 133 tackles in just his junior and senior seasons. During the 2011 season, Sneed had 71 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and two interceptions. His career-best game came this season at LSU, where he earned 11 tackles against the No. 1 team in the nation. Sneed completed his bachelor’s degree in community communications and leadership development prior to the 2011 season.
The game will be broadcast live nationwide on the Fox College Sports channel. Kickoff for the game is set for 8 p.m. ET. For more information, including ticket information, visit www.thebattleofflorida.com.
