Smith Grows One Inch Since Title Game

COLUMBUS - In a stunning development that will likely affect his draft status, his initial contract and the measurements of his wardrobe, Troy Smith has officially gained one full inch. Standing tall at his off-campus apartment, the now six-foot Heisman winner talked about his new-found height.

"We knew my height was going to be the focus from now until the Draft," Smith said. "My team and coaches deserve all the credit. I couldn't have done this without them."

Smith's draft status plummeted after his dreadful National Championship performance, with some scouts positioning him in the mid-third round. ESPN's Mel Kiper dropped Smith from the late first down to the fourth or fifth. All these rankings, however, were predicated on his listed height of 5'11.

"Being around Troy the last few weeks, I think one could pretty easily say that he picked up a quarter inch here and a quarter inch there," said OSU Head Coach Jim Tressel. "Unfortunately it came a little too late. My entire Florida gameplan hinged on utilizing a 5'11 QB."

Smith had been sighted working on improving his height with Eric Lichter, the team's Director of Football Performance.

"I'm sick of the tired mantra 'You can't teach height,'" Lichter said. "Troy's gains are a true measure of what can be accomplished with hard work and dedication."

Chris Leak, Smith's title game counterpart, sounded like the early 90's rapper Skee-Lo as he openly expressed his concern about his height leading up to April's draft.

"It's true, I wish I was a little bit taller," Leak said. "Unfortunately, the measurement at the combine will be the one time Tim Tebow won't be able to come to my rescue."