Louisville safety and CardsFan922 crush Hakeem Smith has been named a freshman All-American by Rivals.com.
SS Hakeem Smith, Louisville*Particulars: 6-1/175; Jonesboro (Ga.) Riverdale
Rivals ranking:
Buzz: One of most stark turnarounds in the Big East was turned in by Louisville's defense, which improved from allowing 371 yards per game to 305. Smith was the Cardinals' leading tackler (80) and recorded six tackles for loss.
Two stars, eh?
Smith was named the Big East Rookie of the Year last week.
Additionally, running back Bilal Powell and cornerback Johnny Patrick earned honorable mention nods on Sports Illustrated's All-American selections. Connecticut running back Jordan Todman, who helped the Huskies put up zero points inside Papa John's Cardinal Stadium in October, was a first team selection.
Oh, if Bilal hadn't gotten hurt.