Taj Smith Interview
by Luke Paul Chandler
The former Syracuse wide receiver and early entrant to the 2008 NFL Draft spoke to contributing reporter Scott Porter regarding his time as an Orangeman, and what he plans to do once in the NFL.
By Scott Porter
Scott Porter: What are your current measurements?Taj Smith: 6′1″ 4.45/40Scott Porter: Scott Porter: What made you decide to declare?
Taj Smith: I decided to declare because I think my age will play a factor in the draft. I also feel I need to move on and go for something I always wanted to do.
Scott Porter: What would you like to improve on the most to make yourself a successful NFL player?
Taj Smith: I would like to improve on having great hands and important just anything and everything because it is always something I can work on to be a better player.
Scott Porter: What are your strengths?
Taj Smith: My strengths are my leadership skills, I am a hard-worker, I am determined, my speed, and love of the game.
Scott Porter: Is there a player in the NFL that reminds you of yourself?
Taj Smith: I wouldn’t say anyone really reminds me of myself because they have something I want and that’s a shot in the league but I look up to players like Chad Johnson, Randy Moss, Reggie Wayne, Torry Holt, Marvin Harrison, Terrell Owens the list goes on because they work hard and come to play every Sunday and they make plays when needed.
Scott Porter: Tells us what kind of a coach Greg Robinson is, how has he helped you strive to reach your NFL dream?
Taj Smith: I haven’t really talk to coach Greg Robinson like that as far as the NFL goes but I know he will do his best for me, as I’ve done for him, and I’m thankful for getting to know Coach Robinson and the support I have gotten from him in the past two years.
Scott Porter: What will you do to prepare for off season workouts?
Taj Smith: I just plan to work harder on everything, to get better, and make sure I stay in shape and do everything that is asked of me.
Scott Porter: Did you have a favorite team as a kid?
Taj Smith: As a Kid I always like the Dallas Cowboys because that was my fathers team and fathers knows best HAHA.
Scott Porter: If you could select any jersey number, what number would you pick? Remember it has to be 10-19 or something in the 80’s.
Taj Smith: I really don’t care too much about what number I get. I can’t get 4, the reason I say 4 is because the number means a lot to me being that my brother past away in 04 so whatever I get is good with me.
Scott Porter: Is there anything else you would like to tell us before I let you go?
Taj Smith: In the spring I’m taking two classes to get my degree. I think that’s important for people to know. I mean I didn’t come this far for nothing.