Former Purdue Wide Out Moving On

The Boiling Point: Purdue wide receiver Keith Smith is looking forward to the next chapter of his football career.

On Monday, Purdue wide receiver Keith Smith was denied a sixth-year of eligibility and not surprisingly Smith is taking a positive approach to moving on. In a Lafayette newspaper story, Smith said he’s disappointed with the outcome, but relieved to have an answer and excited about the future.

"“The longer it took, I prepared myself for the answer of no,” said Smith, who came to Purdue as a quarterback, moved to safety and eventually settled at receiver. “We always stayed optimistic with it, but I prepared for the worst.”"

Smith was a first-team All-Big ten selection in 2009 before tearing his ACL last season. He couldn’t work out at the NFL Combine last week, but he was able to talk with some teams, including Arizona, Carolina, Chicago, Houston and San Francisco.

"“They say I have all the tools and everything to play on Sundays,” he said. “They want me to get healthy and run a good 40 time. That’s the big thing.”"

Purdue has a pro day on March 11, but he won’t be able to participate fully.