Troy Smith QB 6' 225 Ohio St. 4.77

Troy Smith emerged from a QB battle as one of college football’s most exciting players. After taking over for Justin Zwick in 2004, Smith has been very efficient and exciting. As a sophomore, he threw for 896 yards, while completing 55.7% of his passes, and threw eight touchdowns to just three picks. As a junior, Smith became the full time starter after the first game, and truly emerged. On the year, he completed just under 63% of his passes for 2,282 yards, and 16 TD’s to just four interceptions, while rushing for 611 yards. Smith had a year to remember as a senior. He led Ohio St to an undefeated regular season, and topped it off with a ton of post season honors, none bigger than taking home the Heisman. He threw for 2,507 yards with a ridiculous 30/5 TD/INT ratio, and completed 67% of his passes.

Smith is a fantastic dual threat quarterback. He is a great runner, but combines a very efficient passing game along with it. Smith has a good arm, and the ability to make all the throws on the field. He takes what the defense gives him, and has the ability to put the ball on target down the field to his receivers as well. Smith shows the willingness to throw the ball from the pocket, and the ability to throw on the move if flushed out. If things break down, he is also a great athlete, with the ability to scramble and make plays.

Size is a question mark with Troy Smith. His listed size is merely average, and he appears to be a bit smaller than that. It may effect his ability to throw from the pocket on a consistent basis and see the entire field. He could also use more experience as a passer. He knows how to pass the ball and not make mistakes, but could just gain more experience throwing from the pocket.

Troy Smith has been big time riser in draft circles over the past two seasons. Once considered a great athlete that may not be able to develop his passing skills, he has shown the ability to be a legitimate threat as a passer, and began to fly up draft boards. The past few months have not been kind to Smith however. A subpar performance against Florida in the title game hurt him, and he has failed to distinguish himself against other QB’s in the post season. He carries a mid round grade, but could still develop at the next level.