Howerton Named Senior CLASS Award Second-Team All-America

[PonyPride]

From SMUMustangs.com:

Howerton Named Senior CLASS Award Second-Team All-America

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (SMU) – Mustang offensive lineman Hayden Howerton was today named a Senior CLASS Award Second-Team All-American. The award honors FBS student-athletes who excel both on and off the field.

To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must be classified as an NCAA Division I senior and have notable achievements in four areas of excellence: community, classroom, character and competition. An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School®, the Senior CLASS Award focuses on the total student-athlete and encourages students to use their platform in athletics to make a positive impact as leaders in their communities.

This is the second consecutive season SMU has had a second-team selection, as Shane Buechele earned All-America honors in 2020.

Howerton finished his time on the Hilltop as SMU's career record holder for games played (59) and games started (53, all consecutive). He helped the Mustangs to an 8-4 record and their third straight bowl invitation in 2021.

The offensive line finished the regular season ranked No. 15 in sacks allowed (1.33) and helped the Mustangs lead the conference in total offense (465.9, 13th NCAA), passing offense (304.5, 16th) and first downs (301, 13th). SMU ranked second in the conference in scoring offense (38.4, 10th NCAA).

In his last three seasons, Howerton helped the Mustangs to 25 wins (2019-21), and a 14-2 record at home. The wins tied for the most by an FBS team in Texas. SMU also won at least seven games each season during that span, making it the longest stretch for SMU with at least seven wins since 2009-12, and 2021 marked the second eight-win season in three years. The three 5-0 starts from 2019-21 were the first since the 1981-83 seasons.

A team captain and part of the Mustangs' leadership council, Howerton has volunteered with youth clinics, taken part in local hospital visits, participated in an initiative to help feed the homeless, elementary school reading programs, served as a homeless shelter volunteer, assisted in turning over cots and passing out blankets during winter months and served as an elementary school reading tutor.

Howerton was also the Mustangs' nominee for the William V. Campbell Trophy, which recognizes candidates in their final year of playing eligibility, have a GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, have outstanding football ability as a first team player or significant contributor and have demonstrated strong leadership and citizenship.

Howerton has an undergraduate degree from SMU in Applied Physiology and Sport Management with a Concentration in Sport Performance Leadership and completed his Masters in Management this December.

Football 2021 Winner
Kenny Pickett — QB — Pittsburgh

First Team
Name — Position — School
Thomas Booker — DE — Stanford
Sean Clifford — QB — Penn State
Jordan Davis — DL — Georgia
Aidan Hutchinson — DE — Michigan

Second Team
Name — Position — School
Blake Hayes — P — Illinois
Hayden Howerton — OL — SMU
Silas Kelly — LB — Coastal Carolina
Chris Olave — WR — Ohio State
Brock Purdy — QB — Iowa State

[Charleston Pony]

Congrats on an award well deserved for a guy who made such significant contributions to the program

[Water Pony]

Class Guy