Miami, Okla. – Tuesday, April 30, 2013 – Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College (NEO) is pleased to announce that Akii “AJ” Smith has been nominated for the National Football Foundation Jim Thorpe College Player of the Year. Smith was selected from a state-wide pool of highly qualified applicants.
“AJ is a joy to coach and a great example of what it means to be a complete student-athlete,” said Zach Allen, defensive coordinator coach. “He has provided great leadership for our team, on and off the field, and has a bright future ahead of him. This is a great honor for him and this football program.”
Smith will be formally recognized at the 29th Annual Scholar-Athlete Awards Banquet on Thursday, June 6, 2013 at the Jim Thorpe Museum and Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame (4040 N. Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73105). The awards banquet will start promptly at 7 p.m. 
Head Coach Sherard Poteete said, “AJ is the perfect recipient for this award. He displays everything this award stands for. He is a great young man.”
The Thorpe Award is named after history's greatest athlete, Jim Thorpe, and is presented by the Jim Thorpe Association in Oklahoma City. It is perceived as one of the nation's top collegiate athletic honors. Winners are judged on their performance on the field, athletic ability, and character.
For further information, feel free to contact Patti Millican at (405) 427-1400 Ext. 314, or email pmillican@jimthorpeassoc.org