[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 134 (Thursday, December 7, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2110-E2111]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN RECOGNITION OF TROY SMITH FOR EXCELLENCE IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. STEPHANIE TUBBS JONES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 6, 2006

  Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a 
constituent of the 11th Congressional of Ohio, the starting quarterback 
for the Ohio State University football team, Mr. Troy Smith. Mr. Smith 
is currently a senior majoring in communications. Born in Cleveland, 
Ohio, Mr. Smith attended Glenville High School, which he led to the 
state playoffs. After a strong senior year at Glenville, Smith was 
invited as one of eleven of the top high school quarterbacks at the 
elite 11 competition where he earned great praise. Following his 
performance, Ohio State recruited Smith late in the recruiting process.
  As a freshman, Smith played sparingly as a running back and kick 
returner. As a sophomore, Smith was a backup quarterback but took over 
as starter when starter Justin Zwick was injured halfway through the 
season. Smith won four of five games as a starter, including a victory 
over archrival Michigan. Soon after, Coach Jim Tressel decided to make 
Smith the sole starting quarterback.
  Smith was named the Offensive MVP of the 2006 Fiesta Bowl after 
leading the Buckeyes in a victory over the University of Notre Dame. 
Smith was recently honored as one of five finalists for the Johnny 
Unitas Golden Arm Award, which is given to the top senior college 
quarterback. In three games against Michigan, Smith has a total of 
1,151 yards of total offense, two rushing touchdowns, and seven passing 
touchdowns. Smith is the first Ohio State starting quarterback to win 
three straight games against Michigan. Additionally, Troy

[[Page E2111]]

Smith is the frontrunner for the 2006 Heisman Trophy award. As his 
Congresswoman, I am confident that he will receive this honor.
  I have been a Troy Smith booster for many years. I have personally 
known Troy since 1999, when he and my son Mervin attended St. Edwards 
High School together. I have known Troy's father, Irvin, since 
kindergarten, when we attended Mile Standish Elementary School in 
Cleveland, Ohio. We have maintained a friendship throughout the years. 
I am so proud of Troy Smith's accomplishments and pray that God 
continue to bless him, keep him healthy, and give him the wisdom to 
make good decisions.
  It is thus my pleasure, on behalf of the people of the 11th 
Congressional District, to recognize the exceptional accomplishments of 
Ohio State University football player Troy Smith, one of our own.

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