Rusty Smith
From NCAA College Football Information & Resource
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Rusty Smith, born January 28, 1987 in Jacksonville, Florida, plays quarterback for the Florida Atlantic University Owls in the NCAA college football tournament. Smith is currently on his junior year academically, taking up Information Management. Smith arrived in FAU on 2005 and although did not play on his first year, has been working closely with the coaches in the sidelines. Smith earned his first major recognition in the collegiate ranks on the third playing week of season 2007-08, when he was named the Sun Belt conference Offensive Player of the Week after the Florida Atlantic Owls defeated the Minnesota Golden Gophers, 42-39 (09.15.07). It was the first win of the Owls over a BCS Conference team and the first time a Sun Belt Conference team won over a Big Ten Conference team. Smith was also recognized as the USA Today Player of the Week for his performance.
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High School
Rusty Smith was a two-sport athlete during his high school days as he played both football and baseball. He suited up for the Sandalwood High School football team, spearheading the offensive game of the Saints under coach Adam Guies. During his senior year, Smith completed 105 passes of his 176 attempts for 1,800 yards and 21 touchdowns, with only three interceptions. He was also took part in the Jacksonville Shrine All-Star game, starting as the playcaller for the North team.
College
2005
Although Smith redshirted during his first year at FAU, he was strongly involved with the team as he traveled with his teammates and worked closely with coaches, calling offensive plays. He had a very strong fall of practice afterwhich he vied for the starting quarterback position.
2006
Smith did not have an easy route in claiming the coveted starting QB spot at FAU. He entered the spring practice with a three-way race. His close contender was the more experienced Sean Clayton, who most described as someone who can run the offense under control. Coach Howard Schnellenberger however decided to go to the better passer, more vocal and enthusiastic Smith to start for the Owls.
"It was a very close decision to make, almost as close as it could get," said Schnellenberger. "The fact that Rusty made such extraordinary progress in the spring and fall makes us think he's our best option out there."
On his first official game in the college ranks, Smith and the Owls took on Clemson. Smith completed 9 of his 21 passes for 104 yards, but failed to connect on a touchdown as the Owls bowed to the Tigers, 6-54. Smith moved into a back-up role after a lackluster debut and averaged more than nine passes a game before being elevated back into the starting spot due to injuries. He remained starter the rest of the year for FAU, with his best game registered in a losing cause against Troy where he connected on 24 of his 37 attempts for 312 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Smith also led the team to back-to-back wins over North Texas and Florida International to finish his redshirt freshman year.
Smith finished his rookie season completing 108 of 194 passes, for 1285 yards with 6 touchdowns and 9 interceptions.
2007
Smith posted career high numbers in pass attempts (44), pass completions (27), pass yards (463), and touchdowns (5) without an interception to lead Florida Atlantic past Minnesota, 42-39. Along with teammate cornerback Tavious Polo, the duo became the first in school history to take home both the Sun Belt Conference's Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week awards. Smith was also honored by USA Today as the Player of the Week for Week 3 of the 2007-08 season.
Highlights
| Rusty Smith leads FAU over Minnesota. The three point victory placed the Owls in history books as the first Sun Belt team to defeat a Big Ten team. Smith's performance also earned him his first SBC Offensive player of the week award. |
Achievements
- 2007 Sun Belt conference Offensive Player of the Week (Week 3)
- 2007 USA Today Player of the Week (Week 3)
References
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