MattSmith

– SEC Academic Honor Roll (2010, 2011)

Two-year starter at center … Intelligent performer who does a good job with the line calls … Also handles the shotgun snap well … Came to UK as a defensive tackle before moving to center … Had an interesting experience in May as he took an educational/service trip to Ethiopia … Has played in 29 games, including 22 starts.

2011 (Junior): 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 (Sophomore): 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 (Redshirt Freshman): Played in six games … Saw extensive action in the season opener vs. Miami when Jorge Gonzalez and Marcus Davis were sidelined.

2008 (Freshman): 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 powerllifting 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.

Community Cats: 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).