Dawgs Attempt To Make It Two Straight With Paul Hornung Award

FOOTBALL

Georgia senior Branden Smith is one of 49 players who have been named to the 2012 Paul Hornung Award Watch List, which is given to the nation’s most versatile player.

Smith, an Atlanta native, joins 11 other players from the Southeastern Conference on the list. The award’s selection committee, comprised of 16 national sports journalists and former college and NFL players, will narrow the field to a small group of finalists in early December. The winner will be selected in early January from among the finalists following the bowl season.

In its third year, the Paul Hornung Award and the Louisville Sports Commission has already selected one Dawg as its winner. Brandon Boykin, who played cornerback, kickoff/punt returner and various roles on offense for Georgia, won the 2011 honor. Boykin was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL Draft.

Smith, a 5-11, 182-pound cornerback, started seven of 14 games in 2011 and finished with 24 tackles and two interceptions. He also rushed 13 times for 100 yards, including a 56-yard touchdown, and had three catches for 39 yards on offense. In his special teams play, Smith returned nine punts for 70 yards last season while taking seven kickoffs back for 131 yards.