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Rice University Athletics
Syptak, Smith Earn All-Conference Honors
11/29/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 29, 2005
IRVING - Senior defensive end John Syptak was the only Rice player named to a first-team berth on the all-Conference USA squad announced Tuesday. Junior running back Quinton Smith was a second-team selection.
In addition, wide receiver Jaret Dillard, quarterback Chase Clement and center Austin Wilkinson were named to the league's all-freshman team in voting by the C-USA coaches and media.
Syptak, from Bellville (High) who was the C-USA preseason defensive player of the year, led the Owls in 2005 with 72 tackles, including four sacks and 10 tackles for 43 yards in losses. He finished his Rice career ranked third all-time with 16 sacks and 38 TFLs.
Smith, from Cedar Park (High), led Rice with 902 rushing yards, and his 6.4 yards per carry average was third in the league. He had five 100-yard rushing games, topped by a 154-yard effort against UTEP.
Dillard, from San Antonio (Sam Houston HS), had 35 receptions for524 yards, both the best one-season totals in Ken Hatfield's 12 seasons at Rice. His five TD receptions were the most since 1994.
Clement, from San Antonio (Alamo Heights HS), threw for 582 yards and five touchdowns as the backup to starter Joel Armstrong.
Wilkinson, from The Woodlands (High), started 10 games for the Owls at center, helping Rice to a number-11 national ranking in rushing offense at 234.2 yards per game.
