In Sunday’s fifth round of the NFL draft, Heisman Trophy winner, Troy Smith, was finally selected. In fact, the Baltimore Ravens took him as the last selection of that round. Not a lofty position for someone voted the outstanding college football player of the 2006 season.
So, was Troy Smith a bust as a Heisman Trophy winner?
When ESPN surveyed viewers as to how they rated Smith’s chances of being a successful starter in the NFL, the vote was split down the middle. So, why was Smith so successful at The Ohio State University, competing against the best teams in the country, and isn't given vote of confidence in the NFL?
At OSU, Smith had a head coach in Jim Tressel, and an entire coaching staff, who believed in him. Tressel kept the vision of who he could become in front of Smith all the time. That inner vision, along with a great work ethic, pulled Smith out of a troubled past into being a dominant leader, and a cool performer under pressure in most of his games.
Being taken as far down the food chain as he was most likely came from a sub par performance in the title game. Because of that, Smith just might have enough inner fire to prove he should have been taken higher.
I believe Smith can be as successful in the pros as he was in college. Especially if his pro coach truly believes in him, and can keep a vision of who he can become in the NFL in front of him.
However, here's the downside. Taking Smith as low as the fifth round might indicate the Ravens are not sure if Smith can reach that height. Only he can change their mind by reporting in top shape and keeping up the same work ethic he had at OSU.
So, again, was he a bust?
Not at all. In fact, he's just the opposite. Troy Smith is a perfect example of what can happen when a coach believes in you, and gives you a chance to prove yourself.
That was My Turn.
Now, it's Your Turn to share your thoughts.
- Wes -
So, was Troy Smith a bust as a Heisman Trophy winner?
When ESPN surveyed viewers as to how they rated Smith’s chances of being a successful starter in the NFL, the vote was split down the middle. So, why was Smith so successful at The Ohio State University, competing against the best teams in the country, and isn't given vote of confidence in the NFL?
At OSU, Smith had a head coach in Jim Tressel, and an entire coaching staff, who believed in him. Tressel kept the vision of who he could become in front of Smith all the time. That inner vision, along with a great work ethic, pulled Smith out of a troubled past into being a dominant leader, and a cool performer under pressure in most of his games.
Being taken as far down the food chain as he was most likely came from a sub par performance in the title game. Because of that, Smith just might have enough inner fire to prove he should have been taken higher.
I believe Smith can be as successful in the pros as he was in college. Especially if his pro coach truly believes in him, and can keep a vision of who he can become in the NFL in front of him.
However, here's the downside. Taking Smith as low as the fifth round might indicate the Ravens are not sure if Smith can reach that height. Only he can change their mind by reporting in top shape and keeping up the same work ethic he had at OSU.
So, again, was he a bust?
Not at all. In fact, he's just the opposite. Troy Smith is a perfect example of what can happen when a coach believes in you, and gives you a chance to prove yourself.
That was My Turn.
Now, it's Your Turn to share your thoughts.
- Wes -
2 comments:
I believe that coming up from so far down will have a great impact upon Troy Smith. He's endured the negative comments before and he's overcome them. He will need to trust his faith in the Lord however, to become the kind of player he seems capable of being. The pros are not quite as nurturing as the environment at OSU. He's got a lot to prove, everyone is a doubter. He'll be on his own unless he can call upon his faith.
Troy Smith was the finest college football player in America this year according to many folks. there is no way that is anything but success. Being a star pro is not success or we should tell those kids who are marginal middle school players to quit because they can't be a success.
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