Former BGA Star Named FCS Academic All-Star

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Current Tennessee Tech and former Battle Ground Academy wide receiver Jordan Smith was recently named as an NCAA FCS Athletic Directors Association Academic All-American.

Smith, a redshirt Junior, was one of 52 players from 125 Football Championship Subdivision teams to receive the honor. He is a pre-Physical Therapy major who boasts a 3.55 GPA. Beyond his good work in the classroom, Smith caught 22 passes for 248 yards and two touchdowns, good for third on the Golden Eagles receiving rankings after taking a redshirt season in 2014. Smith and his teammate Stephen Bush were the only two honorees from the Ohio Valley Conference.

Players from all Football Championship Subdivision teams who have a GPA of 3.2 or greater are eligible for the award. Eligible players must have been a starter or a key player with “legitimate athletic credentials” who has reached his second year of athletic and academic standing at a nominated institution and have completed a minimum of one academic year at that institution. The player must have also participated in 50 percent of the games at his designated position.

“The FCS ADA is proud to recognize its Academic All-Star Team for the 18th consecutive year,” stated FCS ADA President Jeff Tingey, director of athletics, Idaho State University. “It is extremely admirable what our football student-athletes continue to accomplish in the classroom and on the field and we are excited to recognize them for their efforts.”

Earlier this season, Smith was named to the FCS Academic All-District Team as well. Smith returns to Tennessee Tech next season under new head coach Marcus Satterfield. For the new coach, the speedster looks to make a big impact beyond merely in the classroom for the Golden Eagles.

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