Troy Smith bedazzles media with news conference

INDIANAPOLIS -- Former Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith, dogged by questions whether he can play quarterback in the NFL at 6-0, impressed a media throng this afternoon with his grace under a hail of questions.

What do you have to prove? "I don't know," Smith said in a strong voice at a podium. "As a player, I will try to improve myself. This is an important part (in getting ready) for March 10 at Columbus."

Ohio State players will hold their pro day workouts for NFL scouts March 10.

He played in the Senior Bowl for Tampa Bay coach Jon Gruden and his staff.

"I learned the West Coast offense in a week, not everything," Smith said.

Ohio State lost decisively in the BCS title game to Florida.

"It wasn't bittersweet. It was sweet," Smith said. "Just because it didn't finish the way we wanted is not a reason to think it was bitter."

The Buckeyes finished 12-1. Smith won the Heisman Trophy. He had 30 touchdowns and six interceptions. He completed more than 63 percent of his passes and more than 2,500 yards.

Rumor is Smith's hometown Cleveland Browns are interested. Does he want to go home? Would there be too many distractions?

"Life is alike wherever you go," Smith said. "There are distractions anywhere. Then only thing I can control is what I do on the field."

Height.

"I can't do anything about it," he said of being 6-0. "If I was 6-5, I would still be scrutinized. You make it sound like being 6-0 is a disease."

Can he play quarterback in the NFL?

"My opinion doesn't matter," Smith said. "I am working to get better as a man and better as a quarterback. Those are the only things I can control."