Smith Might Go Pro

Utah quarterback Alex Smith, who was a Heisman Trophy finalist and already has earned his degree, is strongly considering declaring for the NFL draft instead of returning for his senior season.

He is awaiting information from the NFL about where he might go in the draft, and also has been conferring with his uncle, Michigan State Coach John L. Smith.

“It’s pretty tough any time to turn down a first-round contract,” said Smith, adding he has “heard a lot of different things.”

Asked if he had made up his mind, Smith smiled and said, “Not quite yet.”

Smith said the coaching change at Utah was a major factor. Not only is Coach Urban Meyer leaving for Florida, but former offensive coordinator Mike Sanford is the new coach at Nevada Las Vegas, and quarterbacks coach Dan Mullen is following Meyer to Florida.

“I would still explore it [if not for the coaching change,] but my decision-making would be much different,” he said.

Smith also said he would make a decision quickly, so the new Utah coaching staff can recruit accordingly.

“I’m trying to be honest,” he said. “So many players say they’re coming back -- that’s how they put it off. ... That was the goal, not to lie and say I’m coming back and then at the end, if you do decide to leave, surprise everybody. That’s certainly not the intention.”

-- Robyn Norwood