INTERVIEW: MEET PAUL SMITH

Rick Figurin
pigskinpress.com

When Tulsa native S.E. Hinton wrote her classic novella of teen angst, The Outsiders, she certainly wasn’t referring to the University of Tulsa football team; after all, the book was published in 1967 and has nothing to do with college football. But maybe, just maybe, she knew something the rest of us didn’t, as the Golden Hurricane only made three bowl appearances over the next 35 years, turning them into “outsiders” on the college football landscape. But that all changed in 2003 when Head Coach Steve Kragthorpe strutted into town and led the Golden Hurricane to 3 bowl games in 4 years. A large part of that success has been Senior QB Paul Smith. Smith has completed over 60% of his passes the last two seasons while helping Tulsa shed the outsider label and become visible in both the C-USA and the NCAA football picture. The Owasso, Oklahoma native took time out to chat with pigskinpress.com about new head coach Todd Graham, his NFL aspirations, and his last hurrah as the Golden Hurricanes try to stay gold.

PP: Honestly, what were your expectations for yourself and your team when you arrived in Tulsa as a freshman?

Paul Smith: “I didn’t have any. I knew I would have to compete. I did and I was lucky enough to play some as a freshman. I was hoping we would have a chance at a conference championship, and when Krag (former head coach Steve Kragthorpe) came in we had the talent, knowledge and the coaches as well to get it done.”

PP: With a few years under your belt now, what’s the one misconception that people have about playing in C-USA?

Smith: “That it’s easier to play in C-USA  than a power conference. I can argue about the competition level, but people will say what thy want. The good thing is you get a lot of exposure if you can beat a big team and that’s great for your team and great for your conference as well.”

PP: It seems like college football coaches have been playing musical chairs with all the changes in recent years, now you get to experience it first hand as Steve Kragthorpe has bolted for Louisville? What’s your take on coaches putting money over loyalty to their kids?

Smith: “I admire when a coach is loyal to their kids, university, program, and community. I think Krag was loyal. Could he be more loyal? Yeah, he could have stayed to coach another 20 years here, unless he was fired. He had opportunities to leave before, but he stayed. I understand the dilemma more than some people because my dad is a high school football coach. When great opportunities come up, you’ve got to take it. When he sat us down and told the team he was leaving, there was not one kid in that room that would have stayed. The opportunity was just too good to pass up.”

PP: Talk about new head coach Todd Graham. Did he talk to you about how your role would change with a new style of offense?

Smith: “Yeah, we have had discussions here and there. A lot of that offense will be put on my shoulders. There is also a lot of faith being put in my abilities by Coach Graham and Coach Malzhan. They’ve put as much on my shoulders as they can. I’m also going to have more freedom with play-calling, audibles, and overall decision making.”

PP: You’ve completed over 60% of your passes the last couple of seasons. This year with that new system and some new targets to throw to, what impact will that have on you. Are you nervous?

Smith:  “Not nervous, but anxious. We’ve had an incredible summer! Guys are stepping up, it’s really exciting. The last two years my completion percentage has gone up, and I would love to get it above 70% this year. If that happens, we could win a lot of games.”

PP: This will be your final season at Tulsa. With a new Head Coach at the helm and a new system is it realistic to expect a C-USA title?

Smith: “I think so. Our first year in a new conference we won the title, so I believe anything is within our reach. Our defense has been first in the conference the last couple of years. If I hold up my end of the deal we have a great chance to win C-USA.”

PP: You guys get BYU and Oklahoma at home, back to back in September. Considering their recent success, what would a win over one or both of those teams mean to you guys?

Smith: “It would create huge momentum. We talked about how people view C-USA, and it’s those types of wins that get people talking. It’s a great way to create that momentum as you head into conference play.”

PP: A lot of college players bolt early for the NFL draft. What do you, or any player for that matter, gain by sticking around for that final year?

Smith: “It seems like every time an NFL player comes back they tell you that their college years were the best years of their life. Obviously, some leave early for financial reasons and some stay for other reasons. After college, you play because it’s your job; It’s more about business on the next level. I’m excited to get that final year that I will always remember. Aside from that, I’ve never really had the option to leave early. People ask me “are you going to leave early for the draft?” and I say “what draft are you talking about, the military?”

PP: Looking back at your Tulsa career, if there was one play you could do over or one great moment you could relive, what would it be?

Smith: “I wouldn’t do anything over so far, but that Liberty Bowl win over Fresno was pretty sweet! Diving into that endzone; there’s not a lot of feelings like that in the world.”

PP: Many publications rank you as a top 10-15 QB. Pretend I’m an NFL head coach, and I’m considering taking Paul Smith in the 2nd, 3rd or 4th round. Why should I pick you over the other guy?

Smith: “I understand the game. There’s always someone who is taller, faster, and can throw farther, but I’m smart. I can throw pretty well and I can win football games. Aside from that, I manage the game well. Will they give me a chance? We’ll see. But I’ve got a good head on my shoulders, I love the game, and all I want is an opportunity.”

Paul Smith is a Senior QB at Tulsa University. The Golden Hurricane can be seen in the first televised game of the 2007 season against Louisiana-Monroe. Game time is set for 7:00 ET, August 30th on ESPN2.