Oklahoma State University Athletics
Six Cowboys named to Academic All-Big 12 Football Team
November 23, 2005 | Cowboy Football
Junior defensive lineman Darnell Smith became only the fourth Cowboy football player to be named to the first team for three consecutive seasons. The San Antonio, Texas native joins former offensive linemen Andrew Golenbiewski (1997-99) and Kyle Eaton (1999-01) and former tight end Billy Bajema (2002-04) as Cowboys to earn that distinction.
Seniors Brian Jeffries, Jared McCoy, Caleb Noble and Cody Townsend were named to the first team for the first time. Noble earned second-team honors in 2003.
Senior Adam Gourley was the lone Cowboy to earn second-team honors. It marks the second-consecutive year the Fredonia, Kan. native has earned the honor.
The Cowboys have had a minimum of five student-athletes earn first-team honors on the Academic All-Big 12 Football Team since the league office began using the two-team format in 2001.
Nominated by each institution's director of student-athlete support services and the media relations offices, the football academic all-league team consisted of 72 first-team members combined with 54 on the second team. First-team members consist of those who have maintained a 3.20 or better GPA, and the second team are those who have a 3.00 to 3.19 GPA.
To qualify, student-athletes must maintain a 3.00 GPA or higher either cumulative or the two previous semesters and must have participated in 60 percent of his team's scheduled contests. Freshmen and transfers are not eligible in their first year of academic residence. Senior student-athletes who have participated for a minimum of two years and meet all the criteria except percent of participation are also eligible.
