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Former Memphis Star Khreem Smith Named Top Defensive Lineman Of All-Time

March 9, 2009 - arenafootball2 (af2) News Release


CHICAGO - The arenafootball2 league (af2) announced today that DL KHREEM SMITH has been named the league's top defensive lineman of all-time, as selected by a group of af2 head coaches past and present, members of the media and fans throughout the country. In his one and only season of af2 play, Smith led the league in sacks with 17, was named the af2 Lineman of the Year, and helped the Memphis Xplorers land their first ArenaCup Championship.

"Khreem was a dominant defensive player in our league and is very deserving of this honor," said af2 President Jerry Kurz. "He was a true game changer whose play was a big reason behind Memphis' success in 2005."

TOP 10 af2 DEFENSIVE LINEMEN OF ALL-TIME

1. Khreem Smith

2. E.J. Burt

3. C.J. McLain

4. Joe Sykes

5. Jerry Turner

6. Joe Minucci

7. Ben McCombs

8. Asi Faoa

9. Wes Stephens

10. Greg Taylor

Khreem Smith at a glance

Smith, who joined the Memphis Xplorers for the 2005 season after a stellar career at Oklahoma State, made sure his first and only year in the af2 was a memorable one. During the regular season, Smith tallied a league-best 17 sacks in 16 games and recorded three sacks in a single game on two occasions. He also led the af2 in tackles for loss (11.5) and tied for the league lead in forced fumbles (6). His impressive statistical season also included three fumble recoveries, two blocked kicks and 28 total tackles. His efforts didn't go unnoticed as he was named Defensive Player of the Game six times as well as Defensive Player of the Week twice. Smith's remarkable defensive effort was a big reason why the Xplorers finished the regular season as the Midwest Division Champions. As a team, Memphis led the af2 in sacks (36) while allowing a league-low 37.6 points per game. He was awarded for his dominant defensive campaign by being named the 2005 Lineman of the Year and National Conference All-af2 First Team member. Smith continued his strong play in the postseason as the Xplorers capped off their season with an ArenaCup championship victory against Louisville. Smith earned an AFL contract with the Chicago Rush in 2006. As a rookie with the Rush during the team's ArenaBowl championship season, Smith recorded 22.5 tackles, eight sacks, six forced fumbles, two passes broken up and one blocked kick. He led the AFL in forced fumbles and ranked second in the league in sacks, earning Second Team All-Arena and All-Rookie team honors. Smith also spent time in the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings (2006) and Kansas City Chiefs (2007).

Remaining af2 Top 10 Announcements

Tuesday, March 10

Top 10 defensive backs release

Wednesday, March 11

Top 10 wide receivers release

Thursday, March 12

Top 10 quarterbacks release

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