It was an exciting weekend for a couple of former SU Football players, running back Delone Carter picked 119th overall in the NFL draft by the Indianapolis Colts, while Doug Hogue went to the Lions 157th overall. Things are not as clear cut for the other Orange NFL hopefuls, including Derrell Smith, who was projected as a possible late round draft pick but was not drafted. Smith will now have to be patient and wait out the NFL labor dispute before he'll have a chance to sign with an NFL team, something he says he's not too disapointed about.
"Not at all. When teams contacted me before the draft I told every single one of them that I was expecting the worst, but hoping for the best, so I didn't have my expectations too high. I did have two injuries before and I knew that it would be a big reach for them to draft me. So I really didn't have high expectations for the draft which I think helped me in the long run and especially now. I'm not really worried about it."
And based in some of the NHL team's interest in the draft process, Smith says he is in a positive mood, convinced things will work out in the end.
"I feel pretty good. During the draft a couple teams expressed interest. I had a few calls, but of course you can't talk to teams after this so hopefully this lockout ends soon and I can find a home somewhere. Basically right now i'm working out, just doing what i've always done. I think i'm a pretty intelligent guy and can figure out the playbook pretty fast. I think that will work in my favor as apposed to some other guys. I think wherever I go i'll stick just for that simple reason, that I work hard. So we'll see how this thing plays out."
Click on the video tab to hear more from Derrell Smith.
