Ryder Smith

Started all nine games on the offensive line for the Bobcats.... Offensive Lineman of the Year.... Helped block for a run game that accumulated a season-high 270 yards and four touchdowns in a 35-28 win over Tufts (Oct. 11).... Helped block for a passing game that accumulated a season-high 288 yards and three touchdowns against Williams (Oct. 18). Started all nine games at guard as a first-year for the Bobcats.... Co-offensive Rookie of the Year .... Helped block for a Bates rushing attack that averaged 191.4 yards per game, tops in the NESCAC and 37th in all of NCAA Division III.... Twice this year, following wins over Wesleyan and Middlebury, the Bates offensive line was named to the D3football.com Team of the Week.... Smith and the rest of the "Hogs" up front helped block for a season-high 392 rushing yards against Bowdoin and a season-high 173 passing yards against Middlebury. Philosophy 2024 graduate of Castle View High School (Colo.) where he competed in football and wrestling ... National Honor Society ... All-State 2024 (football) ... 2x All-Conference (football) ... All-Conference (wrestling) 2022. What does leadership mean to you? Leadership is someone that can motivate me and push me to do better and someone I want to follow. What experience—big or small—has made a surprising impact on you? Seeing how the best of the best workout and push themselves everyday. What's a failure or setback that taught you something valuable? Failing is a part of the process. What's a value or principle you try to live by? 1% better everyday. What's something about you that might surprise people? Scared of dogs.