Justin Smith Receives Blanton Collier Award

Congratulations to Justin "Jug" Smith on being selected to represent the Blanton Collier Leading with Character Award.

Smith was chosen by his coaches because he has demonstrated the following traits that exemplify the award's recipients:

• Trust - Leaders are trusted to make smart decisions and do the right thing, especially in difficult situations. Trust is achieved by consistently demonstrating integrity through action and communication.
• Respect - Leaders command respect. Besides being trusted, leaders have the respect of their teammates and their opponents. A person with good character is respectful to others, never demeaning.
• Excellence - Leaders bring a spirit of excellence to the team. These leaders expect more from themselves, while encouraging teammates to be their best.
• Accountability - Leaders take responsibility for their actions, even when it means owning up to mistakes. Leaders have a strong sense of accountability for their performance on and off the field and expect the same from their teammates.
• Caring - Leaders genuinely care about teammates. Leaders praise teammates when things are going well. When problems arise, they identify them quickly, seek solutions, and get things back on track.
• Confidence - Leaders are quietly confident and their confidence is contagious. Teammates are drawn to them, seek their advice, and are more confident themselves as a result of the leader's influence.
• Optimistic - Leaders are a source of positive energy. They inspire and motivate their teammates, avoid personal criticism or pessimistic thinking, and find ways to work together effectively as a team.

The Knights football program is proud to have Jug Smith represent KCU in this prestigious award.