University of Louisiana at Lafayette Athletics
Chris Smith Named to Paul Hornung Award Preseason Watch List
7/29/2021 11:12:00 AM | Football
Smith ranked 30th nationally with 1,137 all-purpose yards a season ago
LAFAYETTE – Redshirt sophomore running back Chris Smith earned additional preseason recognition on Thursday, securing a spot on the Paul Hornung Award Watch List, as announced by the Louisville Sports Commission.
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Presented annually since 2010, the award recognizes the most versatile player in college football.
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A dynamic athlete, Smith had impactful roles on special teams and in the run game a season ago. Serving as Louisiana's primary kick returner, he boasted 23 kick returns for 617 yards and two touchdowns. The yardage total led the Sun Belt and ranked fourth nationally. Following the season, he was named a First Team All-American return specialist by Pro Football Focus and 247Sports/CBS Sports.
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As a significant member of the Ragin' Cajuns rushing attack, Smith carried the ball 62 times for 359 yards and scored a touchdown. Showing his versatility, he added 16 receptions for 170 yards and a touchdown.
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In total, Louisville, Miss. native finished the year with 1,137 all-purpose yards, ranking 30th nationally. Last week, Smith was selected to the Doak Walker Award Watch List. He is projected to serve as Louisiana's primary back during the 2021-22 season.
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Louisiana Football opens the 2021 season and the fourth year of the Billy Napier era on Saturday, Sept. 4, at Texas. Kickoff in Austin is slated for 3:30 p.m. CT and will be broadcast nationally on FOX.
In total, six Ragin' Cajuns games, four of which will be played at Cajun Field, have been selected for national broadcasts during the 2021 season. To view the team's complete schedule, click here.
Fans are encouraged to secure tickets now, which includes six games at Cajun Field. More information can be obtained by calling the Louisiana Athletics Ticket Office at the CAJUNDOME, (337) 265-2170, or by visiting the office in-person.
The Ragin' Cajuns Athletic Foundation is excited to announce reduced tailgating prices for the 2021 season. For more information on securing a tailgate or RV spot, call the RCAF office at (337) 851-7223 or email RCAF@louisiana.edu.
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Follow the Ragin' Cajuns on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram (@RaginCajunsFB) to stay up-to-date on Louisiana Football.
Â
Presented annually since 2010, the award recognizes the most versatile player in college football.
Â
A dynamic athlete, Smith had impactful roles on special teams and in the run game a season ago. Serving as Louisiana's primary kick returner, he boasted 23 kick returns for 617 yards and two touchdowns. The yardage total led the Sun Belt and ranked fourth nationally. Following the season, he was named a First Team All-American return specialist by Pro Football Focus and 247Sports/CBS Sports.
Â
As a significant member of the Ragin' Cajuns rushing attack, Smith carried the ball 62 times for 359 yards and scored a touchdown. Showing his versatility, he added 16 receptions for 170 yards and a touchdown.
Â
In total, Louisville, Miss. native finished the year with 1,137 all-purpose yards, ranking 30th nationally. Last week, Smith was selected to the Doak Walker Award Watch List. He is projected to serve as Louisiana's primary back during the 2021-22 season.
Â
Louisiana Football opens the 2021 season and the fourth year of the Billy Napier era on Saturday, Sept. 4, at Texas. Kickoff in Austin is slated for 3:30 p.m. CT and will be broadcast nationally on FOX.
In total, six Ragin' Cajuns games, four of which will be played at Cajun Field, have been selected for national broadcasts during the 2021 season. To view the team's complete schedule, click here.
Fans are encouraged to secure tickets now, which includes six games at Cajun Field. More information can be obtained by calling the Louisiana Athletics Ticket Office at the CAJUNDOME, (337) 265-2170, or by visiting the office in-person.
The Ragin' Cajuns Athletic Foundation is excited to announce reduced tailgating prices for the 2021 season. For more information on securing a tailgate or RV spot, call the RCAF office at (337) 851-7223 or email RCAF@louisiana.edu.
Â
Follow the Ragin' Cajuns on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram (@RaginCajunsFB) to stay up-to-date on Louisiana Football.
Players Mentioned
RB
/ FootballMichael Desormeaux Media Availability (Sep 29, 2025)
Monday, September 29
Collin Jacob Media Availability (Sep 27, 2025)
Sunday, September 28
Lunch Winfield Media Availability (Sep 27, 2025)
Sunday, September 28
Zylan Perry Media Availability (Sep 27, 2025)
Sunday, September 28
