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Honors & Awards
2010 Outlook
Senior Mike Smith has been a mainstay on the left side of the Nebraska offensive line for the past two seasons and figures to play a prominent role again in 2010. The 6-6, 285-pound Smith is one of four returning starters on the offensive line and one of 10 starters returning to the Nebraska offense.
Smith held down the left tackle spot for all 14 games in 2009, one of three lineman to start every game. He has made 26 career starts and his mobility allows him to play multiple positions, and also be effective both in pass protection and as a run blocker. Smith is scheduled to earn his degree in marketing in August and will play his senior season as a graduate student.
2009 (Junior)
Smith played an integral part in helping running back Roy Helu Jr. achieve a 1,000-yard rushing season. In consecutive games to end the Big 12 North season, Smith helped the Huskers to 214 rushing yards at Kansas, three scoring drives versus Kansas State and a 144-yard rushing performance at Colorado. He also helped protect the Nebraska quarterbacks, as NU ranked in the top 40 nationally in sacks allowed.
2008 (Sophomore)
Smith won the starting left tackle job during fall camp and started all 12 games. The offensive line powered NU to more than 400 total yards nine times, while NU scored at least 30 points in 10 of 13 games. Nebraska passed for at least 200 yards in every game and ranked in the top 15 nationally in passing offense and total offense. Smith protected the blindside of quarterback Joe Ganz, who threw for a school-record 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns.
2007 (Redshirt Freshman)
Smith played in all 12 games as a reserve tackle and often blocked on the perimeter. He helped NU rank in the top 10 nationally in both total and passing offense, and he was also utilized as a tight end in power sets. Smith was also on NU's PAT and field-goal units.
2006 (Redshirt)
Smith came to NU as a defensive end, but redshirted in 2006 and moved to offense.
Before Nebraska (Palo Verde HS)
Smith was the first Nebraska scholarship recruit from the state of Nevada since Albert Lewis Jr. in 1982. As a senior, Smith recorded 56 tackles and five sacks in earning first-team all-state honors for Coach Darwin Rost and Palo Verde High School. Smith added eight receptions for 102 yards and one touchdown as a tight end. Smith was ranked among the top 30 defensive ends in the country by both Scout.com and Rivals.com.
As a junior, Smith recorded 71 tackles and a state-leading 17 sacks in helping Palo Verde to a 14-0 record and the 2004 Southern 4A title. He also logged six catches for 122 yards in earning second-team all-state honors.
Smith was a three-sport star for Palo Verde, also playing basketball and baseball. He earned second-team all-state honors as a first baseman as a junior. As a senior, Smith led Class 4A in home runs (10) and runs batted in (54), while ranking third in batting average (.563) to help Palo Verde to a playoff berth. He earned first-team All-Southern Nevada and Northwest Division Player-of-the-Year honors. Smith chose NU over Oregon, Oregon State and UNLV.
Personal
Mike, the son of Michael and Pattie Smith, was born on March 17, 1988. He has twice been named to the Big 12 Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll. He has volunteered as part of the Huskers' local hospital visits and School is Cool Week.
Smith's Career Statistics
Games Played-39 (12 in 2007, 13 in 2008, 14 in 2009)
Games Started-26 (12 in 2008, 14 in 2009)
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