OHIO STATE Defensive end Will Smith knows the ropes

The Utica, N.Y., native has guided young players and has been a rock for veterans.
COLUMBUS (AP) -- This Will Smith is no movie star, and he's certainly not a slick rapper.
The Ohio State defensive end is about as glamorous as his plain last name, deflects attention like Dominik Hasek and prefers to work hard behind the scenes. It is that work ethic that is his gift this season to the rest of the Buckeyes.
"He's a guy that knows our defense through and through and is asked to do a lot of different things and is a great leader out there for an excellent defense," Ohio State coach Jim Tressel said.
Smith leads a defense that is best in the nation against the run (allowing just 49.4 yards per game) and is No. 3 overall in total defense.
But the Buckeyes came close to losing him this year.
Reached pinnacle
Smith walked off the field after the Fiesta Bowl in January with an incredible feeling of accomplishment. This was the way he dreamed of capping his college career.
Not only had the Buckeyes won the national championship with a three-overtime, 31-24 win over top-ranked Miami, Smith further stamped himself as one of the nation's best defenders. The 6-foot-4, 265-pound junior racked up eight tackles.
With NFL scouts raving about his size and quickness, Smith was assured of being a high draft pick and was all but set on leaving Ohio State early.
"I looked at it seriously. I wasn't concerned about whether I would go in the first or second round. I knew I'd get drafted," he recalled.
Yet the Utica, N.Y., native changed his mind. He delayed his shot at the NFL and big bucks to return for his final season of college ball.
"About 10 months ago, Will had a tough decision to make because it was apparent that he could probably be a second-round draft choice or maybe even higher," Tressel said. "He had a passion to come back here."
Smith had three reasons for returning: to get his degree, play a bigger role in leading the team and solidify his spot in the draft.
"I'm on pace to graduate this year. And I wanted to be a leader and I'm a captain of the team," said Smith, who has 9.5 sacks for 59 yards in losses. "And I just wanted to be a good football player and, hopefully, go to the NFL and be a top pick."
It is not just what takes place on the field that sets Smith apart from others. In the offseason, he was among the Buckeyes' leaders in conditioning and lifting. He has provided guidance for younger players and has been a rock for the veterans.
"He plays hard every down," fellow lineman Tim Anderson said. "A lot of teams aren't real successful blocking him. Watching the tapes, you can definitely see his impact for our defense."
What looms
The Buckeyes still have three regular-season games remaining against ranked opponents, starting today with No. 14 Michigan State. A shot at a repeat Big Ten title beckons, as does another shot at a BCS bowl -- possibly even another run at the national championship.
Smith, a criminology major who wants to join the FBI someday, doesn't look back with regret. He's enjoying his time with teammates and preparing for what comes next.
"I think I'm having a pretty good year. It could be better. At the end of the season I'll be able to tell you how it all feels," he said.
And when asked about the name he shares with the famous actor, he just waves his hand. He's heard it all before.