Fresno State Athletics
Smith named to Rimington Award Watch List
10/14/2020 10:00:00 AM | Football
FRESNO, Calif. – Fresno State senior center Matt Smith was named on Wednesday to the Rimington Trophy watch list, the organization announced. The Rimington Trophy is presented annually to the most outstanding center in NCAA Division I College Football.
A watch list typically revealed in July, the Rimington Trophy committee adjusted its procedures in 2020 with consideration to the COVID-19 pandemic, choosing to hold its watch list until play began and a plan was implemented across all Division I conferences. Since its inception, the seventeen-year old award has raised over $4.45 million for the Boomer Esiason Foundation, which is committed to finding a cure for cystic fibrosis.
The 2019 team captain is one of six centers from the Mountain West on the watch list, and one of 90 across FBS football.
Earlier this fall, Smith was named a semifinalist for the 2020 William V. Campbell Trophy – an award better known as the Academic Heisman.
Smith started the first eight games at center for Fresno State last season before suffering a season-ending injury. Entering his senior season, Smith has played in 21 career games.
Smith earned his bachelor's in business administration (sports marketing) last spring with a cumulative undergraduate 3.91 GPA. He's been on the Presidents List (4.0 for semester) six times, named a MW Scholar Athlete twice, named to the Fall Academic All-Mountain West Team twice, and was a 2019 CoSIDA Academic All-District football team selection.
About the Rimington Trophy
Dave Rimington, the award's namesake, was a consensus first-team All-America center at the University of Nebraska in 1981 and 1982, during which time he became the John Outland Trophy's only two-time winner as the nation's finest college interior lineman. For more on the Rimington Trophy and a list of past recipients, visit www.rimingtontrophy.com
The Rimington Trophy is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which encompasses the most prestigious awards in college football. Founded in 1997, the NCFAA and its 25 awards now boast over 800 recipients, dating to 1935. Visit ncfaa.org to learn more about the association.
"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley" – The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please visit bulldogfoundation.org.
A watch list typically revealed in July, the Rimington Trophy committee adjusted its procedures in 2020 with consideration to the COVID-19 pandemic, choosing to hold its watch list until play began and a plan was implemented across all Division I conferences. Since its inception, the seventeen-year old award has raised over $4.45 million for the Boomer Esiason Foundation, which is committed to finding a cure for cystic fibrosis.
The 2019 team captain is one of six centers from the Mountain West on the watch list, and one of 90 across FBS football.
Earlier this fall, Smith was named a semifinalist for the 2020 William V. Campbell Trophy – an award better known as the Academic Heisman.
Smith started the first eight games at center for Fresno State last season before suffering a season-ending injury. Entering his senior season, Smith has played in 21 career games.
Smith earned his bachelor's in business administration (sports marketing) last spring with a cumulative undergraduate 3.91 GPA. He's been on the Presidents List (4.0 for semester) six times, named a MW Scholar Athlete twice, named to the Fall Academic All-Mountain West Team twice, and was a 2019 CoSIDA Academic All-District football team selection.
About the Rimington Trophy
Dave Rimington, the award's namesake, was a consensus first-team All-America center at the University of Nebraska in 1981 and 1982, during which time he became the John Outland Trophy's only two-time winner as the nation's finest college interior lineman. For more on the Rimington Trophy and a list of past recipients, visit www.rimingtontrophy.com
The Rimington Trophy is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which encompasses the most prestigious awards in college football. Founded in 1997, the NCFAA and its 25 awards now boast over 800 recipients, dating to 1935. Visit ncfaa.org to learn more about the association.
"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley" – The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please visit bulldogfoundation.org.
Players Mentioned
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