Smith earns top honor at AFA football banquet

Senior quarterback Shea Smith was presented with the Brian Bullard Award at the 27th annual Air Force Football Awards Banquet on Saturday at The Broadmoor.

The award, voted on by players, is given to the player who, according to the team's media guide, "typifies Brian Bullard - unselfishness, 110 percent effort, total team commitment and pride in his role on the team whether he's a starter or not."

Bullard was a 1982 graduate of Air Academy who played two seasons for the Falcons. During Thanksgiving vacation in 1983, Bullard and his girlfriend, fellow cadet Dianne Williams, died from carbon monoxide poisoning while returning from a trip to Kansas in a snowstorm.

Smith started the first five games before being supplanted by freshman Tim Jefferson. In a backup role, he continued to be a leader and one of the team's hardest workers.

"He's always been a positive role model from the time he was a starter all the way until now," Jefferson said prior to the Armed Forces Bowl. "He's never negative about anything. He always has a positive outlook. And when you're around people like that, it just makes life a lot better."

Said coach Toy Calhoun: "Just through and through a remarkable leader. (Without him) we don't win eight games - not even close."

Other awards presented at the banquet:

Team MVP: Chris Thomas, junior safety

Offensive MVP: Travis Dekker, senior tight end

Defensive MVP: Jake Paulson, senior lineman

Most Valuable Special Teams Player: Ryan Harrison, senior kicker