Missouri quarterback Brad Smith rushed for more than 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons and has passed for 5,320 yards. The versatile Smith has led the Tigers to a 4-1 record, 2-0 in the Big 12 as they prepare for Saturday's game at Texas.

Smith, a redshirt junior who was considered a Heisman Trophy long shot as the season began, has passed for 1,010 yards and rushed for 300 this season. He talked about his decision to play at Missouri and the importance of doing the right things off the field when he participated in the 2-minute drill with Enquirer reporter Bill Koch.

Q. Coach Gary Pinkel had to receive permission from your church bishop before you could go to Missouri. Would you really not have gone there without your bishop's approval?

A. I wouldn't have gone there if he told me not to. My pastor is someone I look up to and I take a lot of advice from him.

Q. Why are you so close to your bishop?

A. Over the years, he's helped my family with a lot of things, the prayers and the support and just being there, knowing he was someone I could trust. (Coach Pinkel) definitely thought it was unusual, because he hadn't done it before, but he didn't say too much about it. He thought it was important. Like any recruiter, he tried to meet the family.

Q. Pinkel has said he once worried that you might be too nice to be a quarterback. How do you switch the politeness to the competitive fire you need in a game?

A. I don't think I switch it. I don't try to change my personality or anything. I just try to be myself and lead the guys, try to tell them what needs to be done the right kind of way, never using curse words or anything. I try to be forceful when I need to be.

Q. Everybody talks about the quality of high school football in Texas and Florida. How would you compare Ohio high school football to the rest of the country?

A. I think it's up there. If it's not the best, it's one of the best. I always argue with the guys up here from Florida and Texas. I think we're always right up there.

Q. Have you always been a quarterback?

A. When I was around 7, I can remember the first year I was an offensive lineman. I picked up a fumble and scored a touchdown. After that, I was a quarterback.

Q. You signed 847 autographs on a Fan Appreciation Day. How did you feel the first time you were asked to sign an autograph?

A. It was weird. Usually, I'm the one in a line trying to get everybody else's autograph. Being in that position was different. It was humbling that that many people want you to sign a piece of paper.

Q. What do you think of the attention college athletes receive?

A. I think it can be good and bad. When people have somebody to look up to, that can be good if they're doing the right things. They can be a positive role model. But when people aren't doing the right things, they look at that, too. You have to be able to separate that and realize that athletes are not God. They're not perfect. They're people just like everybody else.

Q. Is there a quarterback you try to emulate?

A. No, not that I try to pattern my game after, but I like looking at those guys who play with all their heart and leave everything out there on the field. Brett Favre is one of my favorites.

Q. Missouri hasn't been regarded as a football power over the years. Did that enter into your decision to go there?

A. Definitely. Coach Pinkel and the other coaches said they wanted to do something big and start something fresh. That was exciting, to be able to start a tradition. Not too many players get a chance to do that.