VIDEO – He was just a four-year old boy, yet he was asked to take on the responsibility of feeding his siblings every morning. While his mom was attending community college during days and working during nights, Torrey Smith was preparing bowls of cereal or microwaving an egg.
That kind of dedication and effort is just what the Baltimore Ravens saw when they selected Smith in the second round of the NFL Draft this year. “I cried when I got drafted,” said Smith. “It hit me a little bit when I was talking to Ozzie Newsome on the phone.”
“Luckily for me I got drafted by the Ravens. I played at the University of Maryland. It’s right there so I knew a lot of the guys already, and it helps my transition more than other rookies,” said Smith, obviously happy that he can stay near his hometown in Virginia.
The rookie wide receiver out of the University of Maryland didn’t waste any time making an impact. Starting for the injured Lee Evans this past Sunday against the St. Louis Rams, Smith caught his first NFL reception, a 74-yard pass for a touchdown in the first quarter. By the end of the quarter he had two more touchdown receptions, for 41 and 18 yards respectively.
Smith, courtesy of Joe Flacco, was singlehandedly responsible for all 21 points scored in the first fifteen minutes of play in that game. The rookie receiver was silent through the first two weeks of the season, but he made quite an impression with his third week performance.
“I’m looking forward to playing with guys that I’ve been watching since I was younger,” said Smith. “To make it this far is an accomplishment itself, but to stay there is what the goal is. I want to help make as big of an impact as I can on the Ravens and enjoy the process.”
He was an all-purpose player at Maryland, earning All-ACC honors for his play in the kick return game. He established himself as the team’s number one receiver by his junior year, a season in which he set school records for career all-purpose yards, surpassing Lamant Jordan.
His big play ability was showcased in a game against 23rd ranked North Carolina State, as Smith brought in 14 receptions for 224 yards and a Maryland single game record four touchdowns. His twelve touchdowns in his junior season also set a school mark.
Though Smith is already finding success, he doesn’t forget about where he came from. “My biggest inspirations have been my family and my coaches, they’ve been my rock,” he said. “They helped me get to this point. I wouldn’t be here right now standing in front of you if it weren’t for them so I’m definitely appreciative of that.”
Being a professional football player puts athletes in a rare position of public outreach, and Smith wants to advantage of that opportunity. “I’m definitely looking forward to [community service],” he said, “because being that you are at the professional level, I think that you need to make it a point of emphasis to go out there and do things in the community because you have that type of influence.” Smith has already established the Torrey Smith Foundation and organized a celebrity basketball tournament over the summer.
The three-touchdown performance that Smith put up on Sunday is just a taste of what’s to come from the rookie. With his speed and athleticism, the potential for success in this league is unlimited for him.
With Lee Evans likely out for the second consecutive week, Smith should once again get a chance to make an impact. The Ravens take on the New York Jets at home on Sunday Night Football, kicking off at 8:20 p.m.
