Topic: Troy Smith

Troy Smith (born July 20, 1984 in Cleveland, Ohio) is an American football quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He was a former starting dual-threat quarterback for the Ohio State University football team from 2004-2006 and the winner of the 2006 Heisman Trophy.

He graduated from Glenville High School in Cleveland, Ohio where he was coached by Ted Ginn, Sr., father of his Ohio State and high school teammate Ted Ginn, Jr. After a strong junior season at Glenville, Smith was invited to participate in the Elite 11 competition, which features the eleven top ranked high school quarterback prospects in the United States. Smith earned great praise following his performance, and although it was relatively late in the recruiting process, Ohio State offered Smith a football scholarship. He verbally committed to the Buckeyes, signing his letter of intent on February 6, 2002, the last player for the upcoming season.

Troy Smith's mother raised him and two siblings in Columbus, Ohio, then moved to Cleveland in 1987, without the support of his father. Smith first expressed interest in playing football in Cleveland, where he played for the Glenville A's midget football team, initially as running back and tight end. Irvin White, his coach, moved Smith to quarterback after a few games and Smith stayed in the position. In 1993, Smith was placed in foster care with Diane and Irvin White while his mother dealt with personal issues.