Former Olathe South offensive lineman chosen as SEC’s best blocker
The Southeastern Conference football coaches on Wednesday awarded Auburn offensive lineman and former Olathe South player Braden Smith the Jacobs Blocking Trophy, given to the SEC’s best blocker.
Smith put up a run-blocking grade that ranked among the nation’s top guards all season, according to Pro Football Focus. In 13 starts at right guard, he earned a grade of 88.7, which was second-best among SEC offensive linemen.
Smith was a Midseason All-America selection and was chosen SEC offensive lineman of the week after Auburn beat Texas A&M on Nov. 4.
Auburn’s rushing attack averaged 228.2 yards per game with Smith’s help.
Smith was a two-time Buck Buchanan Award finalist while at Olathe South.
No. 7 Auburn (10-3), which lost to Georgia in the SEC championship game, will play No. 10 Central Florida in the Peach Bowl on Jan. 1.
Maria Torres: 816-234-4379, @maria_torres3
This story was originally published December 6, 2017 at 11:47 AM with the headline "Former Olathe South offensive lineman chosen as SEC’s best blocker."