MOBILE – Former Southern Miss running back Ito Smith knows all about the Senior Bowl, and it’s not because he was a college football player trying to make the all-star team roster. Although, getting the invitation in December was a positive step in his football career and it was something he’s been striving for since stepping foot on campus.
“When I got the invite, I was so happy,” Smith said during Tuesday’s media session prior to the first practice of the week. “Coming into the season, that was one of my goals – to get a Senior Bowl invite. I’m just happy to be here and I’m going to take advantage of it.”
The Mobile native grew up going to the Senior Bowl every year wanting to meet the players and get autographs. He’d show up with a list of players he wanted autographs from, sometimes getting all of them and sometimes missing out on a few players, but now he’s the one signing autographs for kids.
“It’s an honor,” Smith said. “I’m blessed. I’m going to sign all of those autographs because I’ve been that kid before.”
Despite the game being played in Smith’s hometown, he’s not taking advantage of being close to home. It’s all business for Smith. He has something to prove while working with the Houston Texans coaches, who are coaching the South team.
“It’s business,” Smith said. “When I was at the airport, there were scouts boarding the plane with me, so it’s been business the whole way. Since Monday morning when I woke up.”
The first event of the of the week was the player weigh-ins, and Smith was measured at 5-foot-9-inches even, 201 pounds, his hands were measured at 9 3/8 inches, his arms were 28 7/8 inches and he had a 73 1/8-inch wingspan.
Smith said the weigh-in with hundreds of NFL scouts and media members in attendance was a little awkward, but it’s part of the process of becoming an NFL player.
“It was like a UFC or boxing match,” Smith said with a laugh. “I thought about (flexing my muscles). It’s just been a lot of interviews and a lot of team meetings”
At 5-9, Smith checked in as the smallest player on the South team’s roster, but he has a message for the NFL scouts who question his size.
“Size doesn’t matter,” he said. “I feel like I’m one of the better backs in this class and I bring heart to the table. I’m somebody who will go out there every down and give whatever I’ve got.”
The South team will practice every day this week, with Thursday’s practice open to the public, and practice is slated for 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Smith and the other running backs had formal NFL club interviews Monday night, and the NFL Psychological testing was set for Wednesday night.
Smith became the first Golden Eagle to play in the game since Jamie Collins in 2012.
“It’s an honor. Like I said earlier, I’m really blessed. It just shows what hard work can get you. While I was at Southern Miss I worked really hard.”
Smith said he’s been in touch with a handful of NFL teams, as they try to get to know Smith more, pick his brain about the game and other background information.
Smith hired a former teammate, Casey Martin, as his agent, and two have heard a few different sides to Smith’s possible landing spot in the league. It’s January, however, and Smith is just focused on putting his best foot forward this week in his hometown.
“It’s a long way to go,” Smith said. “I’m hearing a little bit of everything. Mid-round, late, a lot of stuff, so it really doesn’t matter right now. This is what matters – being here this week, (the NFL) combine and Pro Day. That’s what matters.”
Kickoff for the Senior Bowl is Saturday at 1:30 p.m. from Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile.
