Bill Poehler

Statesman Journal

Brett Smith is going to Florida.

The former West Salem quarterback went undrafted in this weekend's NFL draft, but he agreed to sign a free agent contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Saturday evening.

"I haven't made the team yet," said the 6-2, 209 pound Smith. "I still have to make the team. I think just going undrafted is going to be the same old deal it's always been.

"I know that I'm going to work harder than anybody to make that roster."

He left Wyoming after his junior year to enter the NFL draft, but he wasn't among the 256 players or 14 quarterbacks to be drafted this weekend.

"You know, it was hard," Smith said. "It was really, really hard. Nothing I haven't experienced before. For me it's always been a part of my story. I was really disappointed for a lot of the draft. I was just thankful that I got the call."

Smith said that he had been in contact with Tampa Bay quarterbacks coach Marcus Arroyo throughout the day Saturday and had been told by Arroyo that if he wasn't drafted the Buccaneers would pick him up.

Smith's college teammate and favorite target in the passing game, receiver Robert Herron, was selected in the sixth round by the Buccaneers.

Not ironically, Arroyo was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Wyoming in 2009 and 2010.

"He recruited me in college and then he ended up leaving about three weeks after I got there," Smith said. "I wasn't with him too long. I was in contact with him today and throughout the whole process."

Smith said there were a couple other free agent offers after the draft, but thinks that the Buccaneers offer him the best opportunity.

The Buccaneers (4-12 last year) currently have three quarterbacks on the roster, incumbent starter Mike Glennon, veteran Josh McCown and off-season signee Mike Kafka.

Smith will battle with the veterans for a roster spot.

"I think I'm leaving tomorrow," Smith said. "Details are still a bit spotty."

bpoehler@StatesmanJournal.com, (503) 399-6701 or follow at twitter.com/bpoehler