Guilderland QB gives oral committment to University of Albany Football

GUILDERLAND -- Andrew Smith wanted to be part of a program on the rise. The Guilderland High senior quarterback believes the University at Albany is such a place.

Sunday night, Smith called UAlbany coach Bob Ford to inform him of his oral commitment to play for the Great Danes in 2008.

Smith, who led the Dutchmen to Guilderland's first appearance in a Section II Class AA Super Bowl in November, selected UAlbany over New Hampshire, Hofstra, Pennsylvania and Delaware, which will be competing Friday in the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision final.

"When I told coach Ford, he was at a banquet. He said he screamed," Smith said.

Smith will receive a full scholarship from UAlbany, something the school could not offer football players until now. The senior rushed for a team-high 850 yards and 16 touchdowns, passed for 491 yards, returned two punts for touchdowns and led the Dutchmen with six interceptions at safety.

Recruited by some schools for offense and others for defense, Smith made his official visit to UAlbany over the weekend.

"Coach Ford likes mobile quarterbacks," he said. "I wanted to play offense."

Smith, who plans to major in business, is currently playing for Guilderland's basketball team.

"I remember when (teammate) Brett Marfurt made his decision to go to Colgate. He said how much of a relief it was. I'm happy to be finished," Smith said. "I think I made the right choice."

Courtesy: James Allen