08-13-2007, 07:34 AM
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Head Coach
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Join Date: Nov 2003
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Quote:
NOTEBOOK: SMITH PRIMED FOR NFL DEBUT ~ August 13, 2007
By Aaron Wilson
( awilson@profootball24x7.com )
WESTMINSTER -- It has been eight months since Troy Smith last played in a football game of consequence as the Heisman Trophy winner's national championship hopes were extinguished in the Fiesta Bowl by the Florida Gators.
Now, the rookie quarterback from Ohio State is involved in a lower-profile competition as the Baltimore Ravens open the preseason tonight against the Philadelphia Eagles at M&T Bank Stadium. Smith is trying to fend off Drew Olson for third-string on the depth chart.
Smith is regarded as the favorite over Olson due to his draft status (final pick of the fifth-round), contract (three years, $105,000 signing bonus), college pedigree (consensus All-American, 54 career touchdowns) and superior arm strength, but he's aware he still has to prove himself in games to cement his status.
"I'm getting a chance and opportunity to be part of something special here, and it's my first Monday night football game," Smith said. "It means a lot. Getting back out there on the field just means a lot. I'm just anxious to get out there."
In the BCS title game, Smith and the Buckeyes melted down in a 41-14 blowout loss Jan. 7 as he completed just four of 14 passes for 35 yards along with an interception and fumble and was sacked five times.
Smith is expected to play more tonight than Olson, an undrafted former UCLA quarterback who spent the summer starting in NFL Europe after a year on the Ravens' practice squad. Neither player has shined during practice at McDaniel College, but their personal battle has remained friendly.
"It's competition," Smith said. "There was competition everywhere I went. I'm no stranger to that. Drew and I have known each other for a long time."
Smith completed 2 of 4 passes against the Redskins in limited action. He has alternately displayed arm strength and pocket awareness with rookie mistakes such as staring down his primary read and tipping his hand to the defense for routine interceptions.
The Ravens remain confident that Smith, who plummeted in the draft due to a lack of ideal height at 6-foot, 225 pounds), will begin opening eyes soon.
"My guess is that Troy, as is typical of his career," Ravens coach Brian Billick said, "has something about him in a game situation."
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