{mosimage}Yes I have a biased view when it comes to UCF running back Kevin Smith, after all I am an alumnus of the school. Still, let's give credit where credit is obviously due, this kid can flat out play. The only problem with Smith is that he plays for a school that gets very little press. When he does get live network coverage, like he did in UCF's home opener against Texas, it's usually on ESPN 2 or worse.

UPDATE:

(9/29/07)

Smith ripped through the LA Lafayette for 223 yards on 33 carries, scoring 3 touchdowns. The 223 yards was a lifetime best and the second time this season that Smith has rushed for over 200 yards. For the season, Smith now has gained 713 yards on 117 carries, and scored rushing 10 touchdowns.

Lack of national press coverage aside, the fact remains though that Smith is quietly having a fantastic season. This 6-1, 211 lbs halfback kicked off the 2007 season with a 217 yard rushing day against North Carolina State. The kid turned the first play from the scrimmage into an 80 yard touchdown run, and led the Knights to an upset victory over N.C. State.

A fluke you say? Hardly. Kevin came right back and gained 149 yards on the ground and two more touchdowns against #6 ranked Texas this past weekend. After two games against fairly good competition, Smith is averaging 183 yards rushing per a game, making him a dark horse in the run for the Heisman Trophy.

Though we could dispute all day long what the odds are of this long shot taking home the award , rest assure that NFL scouts are beginning to take notice of the junior from UCF. Though it's not like he hasn't been around for a few good seasons already. Keivn had a fantastic freshman year for the Knights picking up 1178 yards on 249 carries in 2005. The total set a freshman record for a UCF runner. He followed that impressive start with another 934 yards rushing (in only 9 games) in 2006.

Though he may be a dark horse for the Heisman this year, it should be noted that his name has already been added to the list for the 2007 Doak Walker Award. The Doak Walker award is given to the top college runner each year, and Smith is in select company, since the list carries all of 51 names. Whether he is able to capitalize on his amazing start and be a contender for the Heisman remains to be seen, though I am sure that by season's end most college football fans will have heard of the promising runner from UCF.

Kevin Smith's first carry against N.C. State (video)

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Lloyds Apple said:

	Yeah man I'm a UCF grad too and biased or not...Smith is very good. If he played for a BCS school, his name would be mentioned for heisman, no doubt. He is the backbone of the offense and UCF just needs and improvement at the QB position and the offense would really be tough. Maybe USF QB Matt Grothe will drive 45 minutes on I-4 to play for a team that actually has a stadium on campus!
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September 17, 2007
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Marcus said:

Ok lets look at what conference Smith plays in...Conference USA, WOW!! Try running in the SEC! Kevin Smith vs South Florida- 18 carries 55 yds (3.1 ypc) 0 TDs- South Florida wins 64-12!! South Florida, are they really that good? They finished 4th in their conference. I'd say that UCF has a better passing game than Arkansas so that takes a little off of Smith. Plus the SEC teams have a tougher defense than Conf USA. In the SEC ALL Arkansas opponents know they cant pass and put 8 or 9 guys in the box to try and stop McFadden, and yet he still beats them. Plus McFadden shares snaps with Felix Jones, if McFadden got 400 carries he too would be threatening to break the all time single season rushing record. Oh yeah, can Smith throw the ball and line up as quarterback too? I doubt it!!

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December 07, 2007
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Lloyds Apple said:

I was at that USF game, the same USF team that beat Auburn. Yes, it was his worst game and a horrible game overall for UCF, but he tore it up against Texas and NC State, both of which are BCS schools. If he played in the SEC he would have put up big number. Of course, it's not healthy to put up the digits he has this year.....it's sick! Should he win it over McFadden, who you referenced.....no I guess not. But he should have been invited to the ceremony. UCF has no passing game, by the way. None.

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December 07, 2007
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Gotham Dark Knight said:

	Yep, My man was not even invited to the dance...and if memory serves, he was snubbed for the Doak Walker as well...As for McFadden, he had a few sub par performances in his resume' as well... Still, how the hell do you threaten Barry Sanders record and not even draw an invite?...Come...even the kid from freakin Hawaii got an invite.
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December 07, 2007
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Lloyds Apple said:

	Yeah, I don't know what's up with only inviting 4 guys. Last year it was 3. Why not invite 5, like I thought it used to always be? I'm sure the budget is big enough for another ticket.
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December 07, 2007
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