Signing day: McLain's Thurman Smith to start new chapter at UCO
By Staff Reports
Wednesday, February 06, 2013
It would be like a dream come true for any high school athlete bound to play at the college level. Thurman Smith watched as video highlights of his biggest plays, from quarterback sacks to tackle for losses from this past season were played on the big screen at the McLain High School football fieldhouse.
It was done before an audience of family, friends, teammates coaches and cheerleaders.
Smith played defensive end for the Titans and expects to play the same position with the University of Central Oklahoma, whom he signed a letter of intent with on Wednesday.
“It feels good, but I never thought I would get here,” Smith said. “It’s just a blessing I made it this far.
“It was a dream. I prayed. I wanted it to become a reality.”
Prayers were answered as the possibility of playing football at the college level sprang up when he got his first recruiting letter his sophomore year.
“It just makes you want to work harder,” Smith said.
“It’s something I dreamed about when I was a little kid.”
UCO was a good choice, Smith said.
“I went down there and liked the coaching staff, liked the players, UCO was just the best fit for me.”
Smith also looks forward to playing against teammate Jaelen Bledsoe, whom signed to play at Emporia State. The two schools face each other as members in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association.
Overall, Smith is ready to go full force with the Bronchos.
“I just want to play ball and be the best player I can be. After that, I hope I can get in the NFL. If not, I just hope to get into coaching and stay around the game.”
Associated Images:
McLain defensive tackle Thurman Smith (right) hugs his mother Michelle Brown after Smith signed his letter of intent to UCO. CORY YOUNG/Tulsa World
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