Former Gators James Smith and Phil Trautwein Named to NFF Hampshire Honor Society
Tuesday, June 16, 2009 | Football
Former University of Florida football players James Smith and Phil Trautwein were inducted into the 2009 National Football Foundation Hampshire Honor Society, announced by the National Football Foundation, in recognition of their outstanding accomplishments in the classroom, in the Gainesville community and on the football field during their careers at UF.
Smith and Trautwein were a part of Gator squads that won two National Championships at UF, faced the nation's toughest schedule in 2006 and 2007, the second-toughest in 2008 and compiled a 44-9 record during their time at Florida. The duo joins 562 other players from 265 schools that make up the 2009 Hampshire Honor Society class.
While at Florida, Smith saw action in 53 games, tied for the most-ever by a player in program history. He was named a semifinalist for the 2008 Draddy Trophy, also known as the “academic Heisman.” Smith served as the long snapper on all field-goal attempts and punts, while also playing a key role on the kickoff coverage unit. In the classroom, he earned his Bachelor's of Science degree from the University of Florida in exercise physiology and kinesiology, graduating Cum Laude with a 3.5 GPA, and is currently pursuing his master's degree in entrepreneurship.
Trautwein appeared in 46 career games with 29 starts during his tenure at Florida. He was a first-team All-SEC selection in 2008 and a second-team selection in 2006. In his senior season at UF, Trautwein garnered 2008 AP first-team All-SEC honors, Sports Illustrated second-team All-American recognition and was recognized by his hometown as the Brooks Irvine Memorial Football Club 2008 Division I Player of the Year and 2008 Touchdown Club of Southern New Jersey Division I Player of the Year. Trautwein earned his undergraduate degree from UF in family, youth and community sciences and is working towards his master's in educational leadership.
Both Smith and Trautwein joined the NFL ranks as free agents in May, Smith inking a free agent contract with the Cincinnati Bengals and Trautwein joining the St. Louis Rams organization as a free agent. The pair is among 38 Gators who have signed NFL contracts under Florida head coach Urban Meyer, including four first round draft picks.
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