Troy Smith is definitely a great role model

Editorial: Troy Smith, winner

Cleveland Plain Dealer, Dec. 12, 2006, Opinion pg. B8.

Troy Smith arrived at Ohio State University as an afterthought, the recipient of Jim Tressel's last scholarship in 2002. Everyone knew the kid from Glenville was athletic. But was he a running back? A defensive back? A kick returner? Smith, almost alone, knew the right answer: He was a quarterback.

Now everyone knows. Smith has led OSU to 25 wins in 27 starts. Next month, his Buckeyes will play for the national championship. On Saturday, he won the most prestigious award in amateur sport, the Heisman Trophy, by the second-largest margin ever.

But Smith's personal journey has been every bit as impressive. He never knew his father and spent four years in foster care while his mother battled drugs. He left one high school in disgrace and stumbled again at OSU.

But mentors like Ted Ginn Sr. and Tressel refused to give up on him, and Smith didn't give up on himself. He became his team's undisputed leader. He exudes dignity.

Many Cleveland children face the same challenges that could have destroyed Troy Smith. His story should inspire them to strive – and remind the rest of us to nurture their dreams.