Colleges

UCF's Smith plows on

The record-setting running back focuses on facing USF after early disappointments.

By IZZY GOULD
Published October 9, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT [AP photo] Kevin Smith, scoring against Memphis, is the nation's leading rusher with 860 yards and 11 touchdowns in five games.

Kevin Smith sat on a stool behind an interview table and flashed nothing but a cold stare.

Reporters surged toward the nation's leading rusher like blitzing linemen, trying to edge closer to UCF's star. The interrogation began, and Smith explained how the Knights came close to a victory some thought could have ushered in a new era. Ultimately, the Knights failed to open Bright House Networks Stadium on Sept. 15 with a victory, losing 35-32 to then-No. 6 Texas, but they had a heavyweight spinning in the fourth quarter.

After a few weeks of healing, Smith still had strong feelings about that game.

"We lost an opportunity," Smith said last week. "It's gone. We can't get it back."

Smith said last week that he was more concerned about that week's opponent, East Carolina, and didn't consider Saturday's opportunity - another chance at a top-10 team in No. 5 USF.

UCF lost 52-38 to the Pirates. So the Knights 3-2 are looking to regain some shine against the Bulls (5-0).

A second shot at a ranked team - one many are surprised is in the Top 5 - wasn't lost on Smith, who averages a nation's best 172 yards per game.

"I can believe it because they did what they had to do at the right time," Smith said of USF's ranking. "They beat a top-five team (West Virginia), and a lot of top-10 teams lost that weekend. It was the perfect scenario for them, and they took advantage of it."

If the Knights hope to seize this opportunity and begin building a legacy, Smith must lead them.

The 6-foot-1, 211-pound junior has muscled his way to 860 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns through five games. His five straight100-yard rushing games - he has 14 career 100-yard games - is a UCF record. And he ran for a career-high 223 yards in a 37-19 win against Louisiana-Lafayette on Sept. 29 with three touchdowns.

"Obviously, you have a kid that can rush the ball, and it alleviates the pass game some," UCF coach George O'Leary said. "I don't know where he's at right now, but he's over 100 yards a game rushing. Any time you have someone like that, you can't afford to lose them. I think he's, no question, a difference in our football team from last year to this year."

Heisman hype has been slow coming, but UCF's Web site features Smith as a Doak Walker Award candidate.

Smith established himself from day one as a bona fide rusher. Many Division I schools wanted the Miami Southridge star as a safety after he notched 53 tackles and four interceptions as a senior. UCF was the only program that would let him play running back.

"(Playing safety) wasn't an option," Smith said. "That made UCF my only option."

Smith has repaid the favor kindly. He was the nation's second-leading true freshman with 1,178 yards, a school record for a true freshman.

Smith was named to the Conference USA second team as a sophomore after he averaged 103.8 yards per game in 2006.

Why has Smith enjoyed so much success?

"You know some people will say my offensive line is good?" Smith said. "My offensive line is good."

Of course, preparation is key. Smith loads up on game film hoping to decipher defenses. He studies NFL running backs and respects guys such as LaDainian Tomlinson, Frank Gore and Larry Johnson.

"When I watch football, I just catch myself watching running backs," Smith said. "I don't want to see anything other than when the ball's in the running back's hands. Or I want to see what the running back does."

Before games, he's likely to call his mother, Pam, as he does at least twice daily. And if you pass his locker before a game, you'll often find him wearing headphones and listening to anything from old-school rap to soft, smooth music.

"I'm not a jump around guy," Smith said. "I'm not a slap-myself-in-the-head guy. ... I'm the guy that my teammates can look me in the eye and know I'm ready to go to war. I'm that guy. I'm a silent assassin."

[Last modified October 9, 2007, 00:04:03]