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Buff receiver Smith dreams big off field
Sophomore makes music, designs clothing
ADDITIONAL MEDIA
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Josh Smith* Contains explicit lyrics
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A young man in Missouri became a consensus All-American on the football field last fall catching touchdown passes as a wide receiver and injecting a little electricity into every punt and kickoff he handled.
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More Football
- Hawk's graduate assistants carry full-time load
- Student fee reaps $1.5 million for CU
- Buffs' Smith a player with definite purpose
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By the end of the year, every college football fan with a pulse knew Jeremy Maclin was the standout all-purpose player for the Tigers.
Players across the nation aspire to have similar breakout seasons this fall. A member of the Colorado roster is looking more and more like he might fit the Maclin mold, at least on the field.
Off the field, Josh Smith is one of a kind.
Football is just one of his loves. Smith also is passionate about music and fashion, and he leaves no stone unturned in hopes of achieving his dreams.
At some point in the future, he would like to have a contract with a National Football League franchise, his own clothing line "Josh Fly" and shoe line "PF Fly's" and a record deal.
"I feel like I have a style and an image I want the public to get to know," he said.
Smith spent one of his off weeks from football and school this summerpursuing one of those dreams in the Phoenix area recording a CD with his good friend, Arizona State quarterback Samson Szakacsy.
They recorded eight rap tracks such as "Looka here" and "Monday to Sunday" and hope to land a recording contract. They plan to distribute the CD on their own regardless.
Smith said he has loved music all his young life. He first began to rap as a young boy watching his older brothers in Tallahassee, Fla., who were involved in the music business.
He raps mostly about personal experiences, some of which have been trying and troubling during a life in which he has moved around a lot.
"I guess going into my ninth grade year I kind of felt like I had a voice of my own and things inside of myself that I just wanted to put on a beat," he said.
CU coach Dan Hawkins has heard Smith's music and while he's not the world's biggest fan of the rap genre, he said he has enjoyed Smith's style and believes his young wide receiver might have a future in that area if he chooses to put his focus there.
Smith first ventured into the pop culture world in high school when he would make clothes and shoes for friends. He bought Air Force One shoes and painted original designs on them. He made jersey dresses for girls and decorated an average pair of jeans with shoestrings.
Smith said he hopes to be able to delve into the fashion industry more seriously in the future. If his plans go well, he will use money made in football or from making music to fund what he would like to do with fashion.
His philosophy is simple and fits in well in Boulder where Hawkins loves eclectic personalities on the roster.
"Somehow if you don't live your dream, you die," he said. "If you're not trying to live all your dreams, then you're out here being someone that you're not even interested in being. You're just a zombie."
It's nearly football season with game day now just 72 hours away and Smith is focused on achieving his goal of becoming an All-Big 12 wide receiver this fall. It would be no small feat considering he plays in a pass-happy conference loaded with talented wideouts such as Maclin and Texas Tech sophomore Michael Crabtree.
Smith has looked explosive during training camp in all facets of the game. Whether he is running a reverse, catching a pass or returning kicks, he seems to be operating with a greater level of confidence that has allowed his physical ability to emerge.
No one has been more impressed than wide receivers coach Eric Kiesau.
"He hasn't reached his full potential yet, and when he does, that is what's going to be really scary," Kiesau said.
Colorado fans have been starved for a true consistent playmaker at wide receiver since the trio of D.J. Hackett, Derek McCoy and Jeremy Bloom left the program after the 2003 season. Smith showed signs of being that man last year, only his third full year in organized football.
Smith made 23 catches for 451 yards, an eye-opening 20-yard per catch. He never found his way to the end zone and is becoming annoyed that reporters keep finding it in their hearts to put that detail in stories about him. He's not the only Buff annoyed by it.
After a recent practice while Smith was being interviewed, quarterback Cody Hawkins interrupted to make this point.
"You need to lay off Josh and the whole he-hasn't-scored a touchdown thing," Hawkins said. "He probably had 297 in the offseason. He had enough touchdowns in the offseason to where no one is giving him flack."
He has spent the past year or so better known as Darrell Scott's uncle. Smith was routinely asked several times a day during the recruiting process that brought his star-running back nephew to Boulder, whether Scott would be a Buff.
He dealt with it and really hoped his nephew would join the program. Scott coming to Boulder has probably aided Smith in relaxing and focusing on the details that will allow him to reach his potential.
At times last year when Smith would play six or seven plays in a row and begin to feel fatigued, he would tap his helmet asking to come out. This year in spring ball and fall camp, Kiesau has encouraged Smith to stay on the field and fight through the fatigue. He said Smith is responding well.
"I've actually stopped meetings and explained to the group the maturity level from last year to this year in Josh Smith," Kiesaud said. "I mean, he's a totally different guy.
"Last year in a meeting if I were to call him out on something or correct him, he would have 19 excuses on why I was wrong, not in an argumentative way. It's just that's how he did it. This year, he listens and writes it down and says, 'I gotcha coach.' And we move forward."
Posted by mgmtgrad on August 28, 2008 at 4:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It’s great that Smith believes his off field goals will be funded by his success from football. Those goals and the idea of him and his nephew Scott playing well together will only make him an even more competitive player. It sounds like he is improving a lot.
I would not worry about not scoring any touchdowns last year, I’m sure he will be scoring plenty this year and for the next few years.
Thanks Josh for all the hard work and we are looking forward to you and your nephew Scott playing together this year.
The dual threats that they along with the synergy a couple of other players have shown on the field should pay off big time for the Buffs.
Can’t wait till CU kick the lambies butts this Sunday.
Marcus J
Posted by Ralphie2 on August 28, 2008 at 5:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I really like J-Fly! I hope he continues to progress and has an awesome season!
GO BUFFS!!!!!!!!
Posted by buff75 on August 28, 2008 at 7:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I hope he's not planning to rap on youtube........sorry sooners, I had to do it. Seriously, I wish all the best for J-fly. Here's to a big game Sunday!!Go Buffs!
Posted by archalon on August 28, 2008 at 8:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Being a writer for the DC must be the second easiest job in Colorado right behind weatherman, where you still get paid even though you're wrong half the time.
How many days till kickoff and no real articles of substance, insight or analysis? Sorry, but an hour's work on a puff piece better suited for the slow months isnt a service to CU fans. Good for Josh, hope he does well - but come on.
The DC staff is either lazy or inept. Get on them, editor in charge.
Posted by extrapoint on August 28, 2008 at 9:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Biting the hand that lets you post?
a little harsh perhaps
but maybe there should be some payback for kenny, slamarama and the rest of your moles.
I guess we will just have to wait for the games to get an idea if the O has actually improved that much ....or is part of it slack on the D?
Posted by archalon on August 28, 2008 at 9:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Just wishing the local paper took the team and the anticipation of the season a little more seriously.
Posted by Saheeb on August 28, 2008 at 9:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Perhaps that's coming Archalon as the game gets even closer. I would expect such analysis on Friday and Saturday. If we only get human interest stuff tomorrow and Saturday then I think you may be right. But, I doubt Kyle and Neill are going to neglect crunching the individual matchups on the field for Sunday's affair. Josh Smith is the one guy I think everyone has been waiting anxiously to see what he'll do this year. So much potential. They just didn't get him the ball enough last year and some attempts, like those predictible handoff/sweeps to the side, just didn't go anywhere. I am so excited he won the kick/punt return jobs and will start at WR and get more opps with a more balanced attack. We should all expect big and electric things from him this year! Go Buffs.
Posted by extrapoint on August 28, 2008 at 11:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
the electricity doesnt stop there
We all know about speedy and Scott
How is Devenny's speed?
There hasnt been much written on Celestine. How is he doing in camp? As I understand it, he is not supposed to be slow either.
on the other side we have the expected starters at CB. I read in one of the Denver birdcage liners that Jalil is the nickel or 3rd one in in. Has Jimmy Smith been sliding on the depth chart? I expected good things from him.
Posted by Saheeb on August 28, 2008 at 11:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Good points extrapoint. Yes, the playmakers are starting to mount on the roster. Definitely a good sign. We do need a few playmakers on defense too and hopefully that will be J. Smith and Jalil Brown. Per Celestine I agree we haven't heard much and he's got the speed. I also wonder if Sherman Lang, past speedy WR recruit, is all but lost/gone. Hopefully next season we also get Darden and Simas for some height/speed in our WRs and a couple of other recruits.
Posted by Black_Rob on August 28, 2008 at 12:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I was really hoping Josh's music would be remotely good. It's just the same old 'ish about bi+ch'z, cars, clothes, ballin', money and etc... Dummy rap.
I guess I'm just getting old, but these kids today would do themselves a favor listening to some classic hip hop for a minute. Stuff like Hieroglyphics, Black Moon, Guru, etc.. Basically anything with good beats, good rhyming, and good style. Pretty hard to come by these days. The only groups making it never get played.
Oh well. Have a breakout year Josh. I'll buy your album and a pair of those jeans with shoelaces on em.
Posted by mewag28 on August 28, 2008 at 1:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hell, I'm still into the Greatful Dead and was at their 1972 concert at Folsom Field.
Just don't run into any brick walls and I think J-fly will make some big plays.
Posted by extrapoint on August 28, 2008 at 2:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm even pre that with the Yardbirds, Animals, Temptations and Al Green
Posted by extrapoint on August 28, 2008 at 2:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I just flashed on someone who seems to have fallen completely off the radar
Chance Blackmon
How is he doin?
Posted by archalon on August 28, 2008 at 2:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
......kids today would do better than to pin their hopes on the NFL, rap careers or drawing tattoos ( looking at you Simas....). Have your hobbies Josh, but Id rather hear about you wanting to get a business degree and owning a company then being a clothes designer\slash 'hood rapper. I hope you have good perspective on the real world.
I really dont think Simas will be here next year, but Darden should be a nice addition. Im hoping we can lure an Evans or Carroll with a solid year on the field.
Re: Jimmy Smith: Im as perplexed as most. He finished last year solid. One of the blogs out there reported that he may have gotten in trouble with the team a month or so ago. Its just rumor, so I'd feel bad repeating the specifcs of it in case it isnt true.
Posted by nwbuff32 on August 28, 2008 at 2:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Jimmy Smith- minor injury before the 2nd scrum. Coaches talked very highly of him. Could start once he gets healthy
Celestine- Held out of spring practice b/c of grades. Fell behind then and has been spending most of summer/fall catching up. He is fast and made some good plays during the scrums.
Blackmon- Needs a redshirt to put on weight.
Posted by extrapoint on August 28, 2008 at 2:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
thanks guys
Posted by bouldabuff on August 28, 2008 at 2:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks nwbuff (the insider)
Posted by nwbuff32 on August 28, 2008 at 2:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Lol. No insider, but I do get my info from true insiders that post on other sites.
Posted by bouldabuff on August 28, 2008 at 2:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Close enough for me.
Posted by nocobuffan on August 28, 2008 at 2:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
J-Fly will get the first Buff TD of the season early in the game on Sunday, set up by pounding early runs, then a sweet 35 yard pass for a score !! Go Buffs- CU 52-CSU 6
Posted by Saheeb on August 28, 2008 at 3:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I still want to see a pitch to D.Scott his first time in, which totally sucks in the Rams defense, and then he throws a pass to a wide open Josh Smith for a touchdown. Okay, done fantasizing. Let's just win, and win handidly. Archalon: I hope you're wrong about Simas, but a kid spending his semester drawing octupusses in class and thinking he'd smile at the prof and pass sure doesn't bode well. Jocks have done less and passed. But, I hope his parents kick his butt into gear academically. Extrapoint: I forgot all about Blackmon! He'll be a good one in a couple of years for sure.
Posted by ventman on August 28, 2008 at 3:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hah! I marched in protest against the firing of Sonny Grandelious. Then went to hear the Astronauts at the Tul.
Posted by extrapoint on August 28, 2008 at 3:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
you win
my favorite concert in the stadium was a 7 band affair that featured Buddy Guy and a local blues groups, Conal Implosion. There were also some bigger names (the Byrds?, Steve Miller?)but I went to see Buddy who along with his back up band were wearing tangerine shark skin suits. Someone brought out a step ladder that must have been 15 feet tall and Buddy stepped to the top while playing an outrageous solo.
Posted by Black_Rob on August 28, 2008 at 4:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mine was Warlock Pinchers for sure.
Posted by Saheeb on August 28, 2008 at 5:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm 43, but you REALLY old guys are making cultural references even I don't get!! Did the Buffs wear leather helmets when you guys were chasing the skirts around the Quad?! :)
Posted by ruffemupbuffaloes on August 28, 2008 at 6:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ok...enough of the old guys reunion and distant memories. I saw Ian Anderson and Jethro Tull in '81 at Folsom with John Cougar Mellencamp...did too many shrooms at the time so I don't remember. Are any of you still spry enough to walk to your seats at Folsom? And where the heck is tall? Let's talk football! I'm curious about the Buffs offensive game plan. CSU corners are ripe to be taken. Think Hawk wants to run or throw downfield first? Either option is available. I'll bet it will be power football early and finesse later. CU special teams will put up points. WR's will have a big day. And I like Saheeb's fantasy. One Two Punch. The DC will have that as a headline at least once this year. This may not be the year of CU glory but it is a stepping stone. Maybe the mandatory donations will be worth it. I'm at Invesco in the nosebleeds though my season tix are section 109, think one of you are in the same place. Let's just get this started.
Posted by houston_buff on August 28, 2008 at 9:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
When the tune ups are over Sunday night and next week do the Buffs crack the top 20 before the WVU game? I predict Mizzou loses Saturday.
Posted by olsdaddy777 on August 29, 2008 at 1:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
CU is in for a big surprise sunday night. Don't look past the rams
Posted by DrTom on August 29, 2008 at 9:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
His main job is being the bait that landed Darlene.
Posted by Ramamana on August 29, 2008 at 10:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I hope we can land some RBs close to Scott's abilities with Fair child now on board. With Bell and Johnson graduating we'll be thin and Lubick's recruiting really declined the last few years.
Go RAMS!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by DrTom on August 29, 2008 at 12:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The word's already out. Darlene is afraid to take a hit. Screams like a girl when a DT chases him.
Posted by DrTom on August 29, 2008 at 1:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey Houston buff,
Why do you think FSU and WVU put CU on the schedule.
The puffs are their tune up game, LOL!!!!!
Posted by Ramamana on August 29, 2008 at 1:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Cal put us on the schedule thinking we're a puffer, but we almost beat them last year. If we'd have won it would have set the tone and we'd have done better than 3-9! This is OUR year.
RAMS BABY!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by houston_buff on August 30, 2008 at 1:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ramamayo-
I would love to see you back up your weak takes with some of your hard earned scratch. Bet your double wide on the Buffs. It will be laughable. I hope you have the balls to come back in on Monday, I doubt you will.
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