Troy Smith: The Heisman winner that almost wasn't, says new book

After losing the Ohio State starting quarterback job to Justin Zwick in 2004. future Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith was pondering transferring. In fact, he was told to do so by his former foster father, according to an excerpt of a book called, "The Troy Smith Story: The uncensored biography of Ohio State’s Heisman-winning quarterback." The book, written by Dave Biddle, is slated for release August 15.

After not seeing much action in the first three games, which the Buckeyes won, the third-year sophomore started to think about transferring out of Ohio State. According to the book, on the Tuesday after the team's third win, Smith "emerged from the locker room wearing designer sunglasses, a diamond stud earring and a Willie Stargell throwback jersey. And his attitude was even more brazen than his wardrobe." Of his ride on the bench, Smith told reporters, "He (Ohio State coach Jim Tressel) hasn’t explained it to me. That’s kind of the frustrating thing about it, but Coach Tressel is doing this for a reason."

But Smith, a future quarterback with the Baltimore Ravens, did not stop there. He was quoted as saying: “I know that the coaches don’t really owe us an explanation. But at the same time, where this guy (pointing at himself) isn’t really doing all the wrong things, then I think that something needs to be said. It’s not like I’m going out and cussing and M-F’ing everybody and missing reads and calling the wrong plays and things like that. I think that sometimes when you’re in a situation like that, something needs to be said.”

In short, Smith was ticked. And he was probably going to tick off OSU coaches when they read his comments in the newspaper. Smith's OSU career was headed no where. But then the Buckeyes lost two in a row. Then they faced Iowa. Zwick injured his shoulder.

That was all Smith, who was just weeks earlier being asked to practice a bit at wide receiver, needed.

And the rest, as Paul Harvey would say, is history. Of course, if he decides to transfer, Smith's history is changed. If Zwick, who was playing somewhat well, doesn't hurt his shoulder, Smith's history is changed. If you're an Ohio State fan, the book, at least based on this excerpt, appears loaded with information. Still not sold? Then at least check out the excerpt.