University of Tennessee Athletics
McBride, Smith Earn Spring Most Improved Honors
April 15, 2004 | Football
April 15, 2004
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| Turk McBride, DE 2004 Andy Spiva Award Most Improved-Defense |
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| Rob Smith, OG 2004 Harvey Robinson Award Most Improved-Offense |
Turk McBride, a 6-4, 260-pound defensive end from Camden, N.J., was named winner of the Andy Spiva Award as most improved defensive performer. Rob Smith, a 6-4, 308-pound offensive guard from Fort Thomas, Ky., earned the Harvey Robinson Award for most improved offensive player.
Smith sat out last season as a redshirt but played in nine games during his true freshman campaign of 2002. McBride played in eight games during 2003 as a true freshman for the Vols.
"Turk has been really, really productive and we like the attitude he's taken to practice this spring," defensive coordinator John Chavis said. "The hard work's paid off for him and I think a lot of it has to do with him feeling comfortable in the position. Steve Caldwell's done a great job with all those kids at defensive end but Turk seems to have grown a lot more than most of our guys on defense."
Offensive coordinator Randy Sanders feels the gamble to redshirt Smith last year may be paying dividends.
"Rob obviously has had a good spring," Sanders said. "We were hoping he would come around and he's really exceeded what we expected. We thought he would be competing for a position and maybe end up being a backup. But with the spring he's had, somebody's going to have a hard time beating him out."
Both coaches added that the spring's most improved players usually make a noticeable impact come fall.
"That's pretty much the case except for 1986 when I won it," Sanders added with a smile. "But typically, it's somebody who is now performing at a level where you can count on them in the fall."
The award winners, selected annually by the coaching staff, have been chosen at the conclusion of spring practice since 1979. They are named for Robinson, a former UT player (1929-32), assistant coach (1946-52, 1960-63) and head coach (1953-54), and for Spiva, UT's outstanding linebacker from 1973-76.
The Tennessee football squad is teaming with Knox County Schools for the Lettermen for Learning Campaign.
This program is designed to motivate students to strive for academic achievement throughout the school year. Students who meet a certain criteria set by principals of each school are able to attend the Orange and White Game at no charge. This is the third year for this program.
"We thought this would be a great opportunity to do something for the Knoxville community," said Gerald Harrison, UT director of community relations.
Orange and White Day is Saturday, with Fans Day activities taking place from 1-2 p.m. The students have the opportunity during this time to get autographs from their favorite student-athletes.
