Rumors Confirmed: Former Cortland Quarterback Alex Smith Granted Eligibility, Will Return To Active Roster

According to Cortland Athletics, former SUNY Cortland quarterback and current graduate assistant coach Alex Smith will come out of retirement to compete for the starting quarterback position. Smith will return to the Red Dragons playing roster this upcoming week for the matchup against Montclair State on October 10th. Smith was allowed to practice with the team last week, but was not in uniform against Buffalo State. (Photo courtesy of Dan Padavona)

The NCAA granted Smith the opportunity to play in his final season of eligibility. NCAA Division III rules typically allow student-athletes only 10 full-time semesters in which to play four seasons. Smith is in his 11th full-time semester as a college student. He received a medical hardship to retain his eligibility from the 2007 season.

Smith started for the Red Dragons from 2004-2006. In the 2006 season, Smith had his season cut short due to a season ending ACL tear in his right knee. The injury occurred in the 6th game of the 2006 season against Western Connecticut. Smith was the opening day starter for the Red Dragons in the 2007 season before suffering another season ending ACL injury in his right knee. Smith came out for Spring camp of 2008 intending to play. He came to the decision that it wasn't worth risking another knee injury and decided to serve as a volunteer assistant coach.

After losing starting quarterback Dan Pitcher for the season with an Achilles tendon tear against Kean on September 19th verse Rowan, the Red Dragons elected to go with Junior Hudson Woodward under center. Woodward is 29/55 with 305 yards passing, 1 touchdown pass and four interceptions in his first two career starts. The addition of Alex Smith should help bring depth and stability to a quarterback position that lacked experience after the loss of Dan Pitcher.

Alex Smith ranks fourth at Cortland with 35 career touchdown passes. Smith is also fifth in completions with 355 and sixth in passing with 4,420 yards.

This should make things very interesting in the Crown City.