WASHINGTON — With all eyes focused on the departing Ralph Friedgen in the Terps’ 51-20 victory over East Carolina in the Military Bowl, Torrey Smith was also playing his final game.
The receiver announced after Wednesday’s game that he will forego his senior season and enter the 2011 NFL Draft, ending weeks of speculation. The speedy junior graduated earlier this month and has received positive reports regarding his draft status, but would not elaborate on any draft report specifics when he announced his decision.
“It makes [the decision to go pro] a whole lot easier when you have the people you respect the most supporting your decision,” Smith said. “It was definitely a tough decision, but it was one coach Friedgen was comfortable with, [wide receivers coach Lee Hull], [director of character education] Kevin Glover. It just made me feel better about it.”
In his final game, Smith was held to just two catches for 10 yards.
He led the Terps with 67 receptions, 1,055 receiving yards, and 12 touchdown catches this season. Smith also set a school-record four touchdown receptions against North Carolina State last month in what turned out to be his final game in College Park.
