NEWS / SPORTS
If you were hoping to see quarterback Rusty Smith finish his FAU career by guiding the Owls to a third consecutive bowl game victory, you will be disappointed to know that Smith’s time with FAU has prematurely come to a close.
Smith will miss the remainder of the season after injuring his non-throwing shoulder in the Owls’ 27-20 loss to the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders on Oct. 31, the same game where the lanky quarterback eclipsed 10,000 career passing yards.
“I could pretty much tell by the pain I am in whether it was serious or not,” Smith told www.fauowlaccess.com. “I didn’t expect I was going to play anytime soon, but not to be able to finish my career was a little bit of a shock.”
The injury, which is to the same shoulder Smith partially dislocated in 2008’s season opener against Texas, has been confirmed by two doctors to be a severe sprain in his acromioclavicular joint, and it may require surgery.
“It is really up to me to decide if I want to have surgery or not,” said Smith, a redshirt senior. “That is a decision me and my family will have to make.”
Smith ends the season having thrown for 1,915 yards with 14 touchdowns and five interceptions. The Owls’ most prolific passer also finishes his FAU career owning nearly all of the school’s passing records, including yards thrown (10,113), touchdowns thrown (76) and completions (748).
“I would go ahead and say my five years here were a success,” said Smith.
With the 22-year-old out for the season, backup quarterback Jeff Van Camp will be handed the keys to the Owls offense. Van Camp, a redshirt junior, has yet to start a game in his collegiate career.
“I think we probably do not have as good a chance to win with him [as] we do with Rusty,” said Head Coach Howard Schnellenberger following the loss to Middle Tennessee State.
Even with the injury, Smith is expected to enter the NFL Draft next April, and could possibly become the first Owl ever selected if he is chosen by one of the league’s 32 teams.
If Smith accomplishes the Owls’ most elusive task next spring, then it will be just another accolade to add to his long-lasting FAU legacy.
