Buckeyes star Smith pressing Browns to draft him

CLEVELAND -- Usually the one avoiding pressure, Troy Smith is putting the heat on the Cleveland Browns.

Ohio State's Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback is lobbying his hometown team to select him in April's NFL draft, and he isn't missing any chance to remind the Browns that he'll be available to them soon.

Smith was named the area's outstanding collegiate athlete at Tuesday night's Greater Cleveland Sports Awards, and during a taped acceptance speech he thanked the city's fans for their support.

"Hopefully, I'll get a chance to represent you guys at the next level with the Cleveland Browns," he said.

Smith hasn't hidden his desire to play for the Browns, who after finishing 4-12 last season will pick either third or fourth in April's draft. During a recent halftime ceremony at an Ohio State basketball game, Smith wore a Browns jacket.

Following a tribute for him at Glenville High School in December, Smith said playing for the Browns would fulfill a lifelong goal.

Troy Smith is one of the few who says he has 'dreamed' of playing for the Browns. (Getty Images)

"I have dreamed about it and talked about it countless times with my mother," he said. "All she talks about is saving the Browns. If that were to happen, that would be a dream come true because I could stay in the community and give back."

Most draft experts have forecast Smith being taken in the second or third round. The knock on Smith is that he's not a prototypical pocket passer and that he's too small -- he was listed at 6-foot-1 on Ohio State's roster.

One of his former high school and college teammates believes Smith is being underestimated.

"He should be a first-round pick," said Buffalo safety Donte Whitner, the No. 8 pick overall last year by the Bills. "I don't think there is a problem with his height. He has shown what he can do on the field, he's a winner. He has won the big games, except for the last one. I believe in him.

"They said the same thing about Drew Brees, but he changed the New Orleans Saints organization around this year."

Smith didn't end his college career on a good note as he was roughed up by Florida's defense in a 41-14 loss in the BCS national championship. However, Browns general manager Phil Savage said Smith's performance shouldn't hurt his draft status.

"One game doesn't make a career," he said. "It was unfortunate the way it unfolded. That is the only sport that I know of where they take 50 days off and then play the championship. Troy had a terrific career at Ohio State, he won the Heisman Trophy, he's from Cleveland and well see how the draft unfolds in all of that."