Wednesday, January 12, 2000
UK's Smith won't play basketball
BY NEIL SCHMIDT
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Kentucky's Derek Smith, the freshman tight end from Highlands, announced Tuesday he will not join UK's basketball team.
“I want to make sure I become a better football player,” Smith said. “I really want the tight end spot, and it is important to work in the weight room and on my speed and agility. When I was out there ... I wasn't where I thought I (should be) physically, and so I needed a strong offseason.
“If I have a future in any sport, it's football. I want to do everything I can to fulfill my dream of playing on the professional level.”
Smith is expected to replace All-American tight end James Whalen Jr. next fall. Smith caught nine passes for 112 yards this fall as a backup.
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