Tuesday, January 08, 2002
Smith leaves UK to enter NFL draft
Tight end forgoes his senior year
The Associated Press
LEXINGTON — University of Kentucky tight end Derek Smith will forgo his senior season of college eligibility and enter the NFL draft, the school said Monday.
Smith, a junior from Highlands High, followed the lead of teammate Dennis Johnson, a junior defensive end who Friday announced his intent to enter the draft.
“I've always had the dream, always wanted to play in the NFL,” Smith said in a statement. “It's been a really tough decision, but I think now is the best time.
“The NFL is looking for tight ends and it is a good year for me to come out in the draft.”
Smith, a former teammate of Kentucky quarterback Jared Lorenzen at Highlands,, was the Southeastern Conference's best tight end as a sophomore in 2000, catching 50 passes for 716 yards and five touchdowns and earning All-SEC honors.
His production dropped in 2001, however, as he caught only 30 balls for 396 yards and four touchdowns. For his career, Smith finished 10th in school history in pass receptions (89) and receiving yardage (1,224) with nine career TDs.
“Obviously, we would have liked Derek to wear the blue and white next year, but that was a decision he and his family had to make,” Kentucky coach Guy Morriss said. “As I told Derek, he's always welcome here. We'll be glad to do anything we can to help him reach his goals. We wish him the very best and appreciate all the effort he's given us.”
Smith said his decision had nothing to do with eligibility problems or strained relationships with members of Morriss' coaching staff.
“There have been a lot of rumors flying around that I was unhappy at UK and that is not true,” Smith said. “I have a good relationship with Coach Morriss. “I was one of the guys who fought for him to be the coach.”
Smith played in every game as a freshman during the 1999 season, serving as a backup to All-American James Whalen of Walton, Ky.
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Smith leaves UK to enter NFL draft
