Troy Smith
 Troy Smith during the Ravens 2008 Training Camp. | |||||||||
| Baltimore Ravens | |||||||||
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| Career information | |||||||||
| College: | Ohio State | ||||||||
| NFL draft: | 2007 / round: 5 / pick: 174 | ||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||||||||
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| Career NFL statistics as of Week 17, 2007 | |||||||||
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Troy Smith (born July 20, 1984 in Cleveland, Ohio) is an American football quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He was a former starting dual-threat quarterback for The Ohio State University football team from 2004-2006 and the winner of the 2006 Heisman Trophy.
He graduated from Glenville High School in Cleveland, Ohio where he was coached by Ted Ginn, Sr., father of his Ohio State and high school teammate Ted Ginn, Jr. After a strong junior season at Glenville, Smith was invited to participate in the Elite 11 competition, which features the eleven top ranked high school quarterback prospects in the United States. Smith earned great praise following his performance, and although it was relatively late in the recruiting process, Ohio State offered Smith a football scholarship. He verbally committed to the Buckeyes, signing his letter of intent on February 6, 2002 as the last player to do so for the Buckeyes.
Early life
Troy Smith's mother raised him and two siblings in Columbus, Ohio, then moved to Cleveland in 1987, without the support of his father. Smith first expressed interest in playing football in Cleveland, where he played for the Glenville A's midget football team, initially as running back and tight end. Irvin White, his coach, moved Smith to quarterback after a few games and Smith stayed in the position. In 1993, Smith was placed in foster care with Diane and Irvin White while his mother dealt with personal issues. [1]
High school career
Smith played his first two years at St. Edward High School in Lakewood, Ohio, but was thrown off the team after elbowing an opponent in the head while playing in a varsity basketball game.[2] He transferred to Glenville High School shortly thereafter. He threw for 969 yards and 12 touchdowns as a senior, playing alongside Ted Ginn Jr. (Miami Dolphins) they led Glenville to the state playoffs. Smith also played three years of basketball and ran track (high jump, long jump and 1,600-meter relay). West Virginia University had recruited Smith as well as Ohio State. Smith accepted the last scholarship of Ohio State's 2002 football recruiting class.[3]
College career
As a redshirted freshman for the Buckeyes, Smith played sparingly at running back and kick returner in 2003. Smith played the season opener against Washington as a scatback and returner, and he compiled fourteen yards rushing and 83 return yards. After the game, he came on the NFL scouting radar as an "athlete".
He entered his sophomore season as the backup quarterback to Justin Zwick, but took over as the starter when Zwick was injured halfway through the 2004 season against Iowa. Smith won four of the five games he started in 2004, including a victory over the archrival Michigan Wolverines. Smith was suspended for breaking an undisclosed team rule before the Alamo Bowl, with Coach Tressel extending the suspension to include the first game of the 2005 season after it was revealed that Smith had accepted $500 from a booster.[4]
With Smith at QB, Ohio State lost only two games in the 2005 regular season, one as a starter. The first was to the eventual BCS National Champion Texas Longhorns (which he did not start) and the other was to the Penn State Nittany Lions, co-Big Ten champions. Smith's 2005 stats included 2,282 passing yards with 16 touchdowns and four interceptions. This led to a passer rating of 162.66, the fourth-highest of the season.[5] He rushed for 611 yards and 11 touchdowns on 136 carries. In January 2006, he was named the Offensive MVP of the Fiesta Bowl, after leading the Buckeyes to a 34-20 win over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
In the second week of the 2006 season, Smith and the Buckeyes took revenge for their 2005 loss to Texas. The top ranked Buckeyes won their rematch with the (again) second-ranked Longhorns, 24-7. Smith went 17-27 with 269 yards passing, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. For many fans and analysts, Smith's performance against the Longhorns gave credibility to the preseason Heisman Trophy hype he'd received. His passing statistics improved during the 2006 season, completing 67% of his passes for 2,507 yards, with 30 touchdowns and five interceptions. This led to a quarterback rating of 167.87, again fourth in the country.[6]
Smith was one of five finalists for the 2006 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, which is given to the top senior college quarterback.[7]
Teammates voted Smith the 2006 most valuable player.[8] On 2006-12-07 the Davey O'Brien Foundation awarded Smith the Davey O'Brien Award for best college quarterback. He defeated other finalists Colt Brennan of the University of Hawaii and Brady Quinn of the University of Notre Dame.[9]
In three games against Michigan, Smith has a total of 1,151 yards of total offense, two rushing touchdowns, and seven passing touchdowns. The Buckeyes won all three games, making Smith the first Ohio State quarterback since Tippy Dye (1934-1936) to quarterback in three victories over Michigan, and the first to win three straight games against Michigan as a starter.[10]
Smith's college football career came to an end on January 8, 2007, when he and the Ohio State Buckeyes were beaten by the Florida Gators in the 2007 BCS National Championship Game, 41-14. Smith completed just four of 14 passes for 35 yards along with an interception, a fumble, and was sacked 5 times.
He graduated with a bachelor's degree in communications.
Heisman Trophy
Smith won the 2006 Heisman Memorial Trophy on December 9, 2006.[11] He beat out sophomore RB Darren McFadden (2nd) from Arkansas and QB Brady Quinn (3rd), senior quarterback from Notre Dame. Smith became the first true quarterback from the Big Ten to ever win the award.
In winning the 2006 Heisman Trophy, Smith took 86.7% of the first place votes, which is a record. His tally of 2,540 votes was the third largest behind that of the 2005 Heisman Trophy winner, Reggie Bush of the University of Southern California (2,541 votes) and 1968 winner O.J. Simpson also of USC (2,853 votes). His margin of victory (1,662 votes) was also the second largest in the history of the award, eclipsed only by O.J. Simpson who won by 1,750 votes. Troy Smith joined Les Horvath (1944), Vic Janowicz (1950), Howard "Hopalong" Cassady (1955), Archie Griffin (1974 and 1975) and Eddie George (1995) in the elite Buckeye fraternity.
Career statistics
Passing
| Year | Games | Attempts | Completions | Comp % | Yards | TDs | Interception | QB Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2003 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2004 | 8 | 122 | 68 | 55.7% | 896 | 8 | 3 | 134.15 |
| 2005 | 11 | 237 | 149 | 62.9% | 2,282 | 16 | 4 | 162.66 |
| 2006 | 12 | 311 | 203 | 65.3% | 2,542 | 30 | 6 | 161.91 |
| Career | 44 | 670 | 420 | 62.7% | 5720 | 54 | 13 | 159.72 |
Rushing
| Year | Games | Rushes | Yards | Average | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2003 | 11 | 3 | 14 | 4.7 | 0 |
| 2004 | 9 | 82 | 339 | 4.1 | 2 |
| 2005 | 11 | 136 | 611 | 4.5 | 11 |
| 2006 | 12 | 62 | 233 | 3.8 | 1 |
| Career | 45 | 283 | 1,197 | 4.2 | 14 |
Total offense
| Year | Games | Plays | Yards | Average | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2003 | 11 | 3 | 14 | 4.7 | 0 |
| 2004 | 9 | 204 | 1,235 | 6.0 | 10 |
| 2005 | 11 | 373 | 2,893 | 7.6 | 27 |
| 2006 | 12 | 359 | 2,740 | 7.6 | 31 |
| Career | 45 | 939 | 7,992 | 7.33 | 68 |
College awards
- 2006 Heisman Trophy
- 2006 Consensus All American
- 2006 Sporting News College Football Player of the Year
- 2006 Fiesta Bowl MVP
- 2006 Walter Camp Award
- 2006 Davey O'Brien Award
- 2006 Buckeyes MVP
- 2006 Associated Press Player of the Year
- 2006 Chicago Tribune Silver Football — Big Ten Most Valuable Player
- 2006 Senior Bowl
Pro career
Rookie season
Smith declared for the 2007 NFL Draft. Despite winning the Heisman Trophy, Smith saw his draft stock drop considerably after the 41-14 loss to Florida in the 2007 BCS National Championship Game. At 6'0", his height (considered smaller than ideal) was cited as a liability.[12] Smith was quoted by the media urging his hometown team, the Cleveland Browns, to select him in the NFL Draft. Fans also set up a website (DraftTroy.com) urging the Browns to take Smith. However, the Browns drafted Brady Quinn 22nd overall in the 2007 NFL Draft reducing the chances of Smith going to Cleveland.[13][14]
On Day 2, Smith was finally drafted at the end of the fifth round by the Baltimore Ravens. He proceeded to sign a three-year contract with the Ravens on July 24, 2007.[15] On August 27, 2007 Drew Olson was released by the Baltimore Ravens elevating Troy Smith to the third string quarterback position. Smith was named second-string quarterback for the Ravens on November 13, 2007, backing up new starter Kyle Boller after a shoulder injury to starter Steve McNair. Ravens head coach Brian Billick maintained that Smith could be used in the future. "That's going to be a fun challenge for Troy, because now he's been around enough," Billick said. "The focus and attention that he brings to [preparing] is heightened."[16]
Smith got his first regular season playing time in the fourth quarter of the home game against the Indianapolis Colts on December 9, 2007, completing three of five pass attempts and scrambling 6 yards for his first NFL touchdown in the 44-20 loss. After his relative success against the Colts, many Baltimore Ravens fans were calling for Smith to replace Kyle Boller as the Ravens' starting quarterback. On December 16, 2007 Troy Smith came in for an injured Kyle Boller in the game against the Miami Dolphins. Smith led the Ravens down the field for a field goal which forced overtime. The Ravens lost 22-16 in overtime, after a missed 44 yard field goal. On December 20, 2007, Kyle Boller officially was considered the backup due to injury for the Week 16 game, giving Troy Smith his first professional start against the Seattle Seahawks. In Week 17 the Ravens played the Steelers, who pulled some of their starters, and Troy Smith started again. He went 16-of-27 for 171 yards and one touchdown, with no interceptions and no fumbles lost, and led the Ravens to their first win since October 14.
Smith finished his rookie season by totaling 452 yards and two touchdowns passing and 54 yards and a touchdown rushing in four games on his debut season, for 506 total yards.
Career statistics
Passing
| Year | Games | Attempts | Completions | Comp % | Yards | TDs | Interception | QB Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 4 | 76 | 40 | 52.6% | 452 | 2 | 0 | 79.5 |
| Career | 4 | 76 | 40 | 52.6% | 452 | 2 | 0 | 79.5 |
Rushing
| Year | Games | Rushes | Yards | Average | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 4 | 12 | 54 | 4.5 | 1 |
| Career | 4 | 12 | 54 | 4.5 | 1 |
Total offense
| Year | Games | Plays | Yards | Average | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 4 | 88 | 506 | 5.8 | 3 |
| Career | 4 | 88 | 506 | 5.8 | 3 |
References
- ^ Forde, Pat (2006-12-07). "Smith, mom to share heartwarming moment of triumph". ESPN. Retrieved 2007-08-07.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Curtis, Bryan. "Troy Smith's Mostly Charmed Life at Ohio State". New York Times. August 20, 2006
- ^ Ralph, Russo (2006-12-10). "Heisman win is emotional for Troy Smith". Associated Press.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Miller, Rusty (2006-12-06). "Smith Had Difficult Road to Ohio State". Associated Press. Retrieved 2007-08-07.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "2005 NCAA Division I-A Passing Leaders". ESPN. Retrieved 2006-12-11.
- ^ "2006 NCAA Division I-A Passing Leaders". ESPN. Retrieved 2006-12-11.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|1=(help) - ^ "Smith One of Five Finalist for 2006 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award" (Press release). Ohio State University Department of Athletics. 2006-11-02. Retrieved 2006-12-11.
{{cite press release}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Smith Named Buckeyes' Most Valuable Player" (Press release). Ohio State University Department of Athletics. 2006-11-03.
{{cite press release}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "OHIO STATE'S TROY SMITH WINS 2006 DAVEY O'BRIEN NATIONAL QUARTERBACK AWARD" (Press release). Davey O’Brien Foundation. 2006-12-07. Retrieved 2006-12-11.
{{cite press release}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Gordon, Ken (2006-11-19). "Dye, 91, watches Smith equal his trifecta over UM". OSU Notebook. Columbus Dispatch. Retrieved 2006-11-19.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - ^ "Rise of Troy: Buckeyes QB wins Heisman Trophy". Associated Press. 2006-12-12. Retrieved 2007-08-07.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Smith will likely play waiting game
- ^ NFL.com
- ^ Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith pushing Browns hard to draft him
- ^ "Ravens sign Troy Smith, two others". The Sports Network. 2007-07-24. Retrieved 2007-08-07.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Ravens switch quarterbacks
External links
- "Troy Smith Stats". DI Statistics. NCAA. 2006-09-16. Retrieved 2006-09-24.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - Troy Smith on FoxSports.com
- Scout.com bio
- Statistics from ESPN
- Baltimore Ravens bio
- Troy Smith Video on FoxSports Video Archive