GREENSBORO, N.C. --- Torrey Smith pieced together a strong two seasons to begin his career at Maryland. Naturally, pro talk is starting to follow the wide receiver.
One thing, though, is a priority for the Terrapins' most recognizable star.
"My goal since I've been little is to graduate from college," Smith said. "I wouldn't do anything until I did that."
And when is Smith set to graduate? At the end of this semester.
It's an interesting situation for the redshirt junior, especially since he received an advisory evaluation after last season. Smith said coach Ralph Friedgen suggested he receive the evaluation.
The wideout and kickoff returner said he was pegged as a third- or fourth-round selection. Another good season could escalate those possibilities even more.
Smith scored eight touchdowns (five receiving, two kickoff return, one rushing) a season ago, and he wound up as a more than capable successor to Darrius Heyward-Bey. Both were quick, electric options who didn't take long to attract attention from pro scouts.
Smith already believes he would do fine in pre-draft workouts. It's the nuances he believes he still need to pick up on better.
"I could go do that combine stuff all day," Smith said. "That's stuff's easy. I just need to polish up and become a better football player."
It all begs the question: How soon does his pro future become a consideration? If he can improve upon his sophomore season and wrap up his academic responsibilities, there would probably be some incentive to pursue the NFL. And at that point, it would also make sense.
For now, though, Smith is paying attention to the process of turning Maryland around after last year's 2-10 slog.
"I graduate in December, so I'm happy to be on that path right now," Smith said. "Just get better as a receiver and become a better leader and help lead our program to where it needs to be."
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