Why aren't major colleges looking at Josh Smith?

Hutchinson coach Randy Dreiling has many things to say about his standout senior fullback, Josh Smith. But this is easily the most interesting:

"There's no question in my mind that he's a Division I football player.''

Can we agree that Dreiling, who has created a football dynasty at Hutch by winning a record six consecutive state championships, knows something about football?

Do we acknowledge that Smith's 1,933 rushing yards on 215 carries (an astounding nine yards per carry), his breakaway speed and his 215-pound frame give him the credit it takes to play at the highest level?

Can we even conclude that Smith, by being the best player on the state's best team, should be a top-shelf prospect simply because of that?

Well, even if we agree, acknowledge and conclude, there's not a connection. So far, at least, not one big-time college program has taken much of an interest in Smith.

"I wish I knew why,'' he said. "But I'm pretty clueless as well. I've talked to some coaches, but they haven't really explained why they're not offering. I don't have a clue, honestly.''

Smith is an outstanding student, so it has nothing to do with academics. He's an engaging, fun-loving kid, so there can't be any worries about his social skills. He is nicknamed "Moose,'' so he's a PR dream.

What could it be? What's holding him back?

"He's one of the best, if not the best, athletes we've ever had,'' Dreiling said. "He can play a lot of different positions. He has the best hands of anybody on the team.''

When Hutch's starting quarterback was hurt midway through the season, Smith stepped in and rushed for nearly 450 yards in two games against Derby and Salina Central, not exactly cupcakes.

He had nearly 200 yards at halftime of Hutch's season opener against Missouri power Kansas City Rockhurst.

By the fourth quarter in all but a couple of Hutch's 13 wins, Smith was as extinct as a dinosaur or his numbers would be even more daunting.

"He never gets caught from behind, so he has great speed,'' Dreiling said. "I don't know why he's not being recruited. You'd have to ask the recruiters.''

Maybe it's Smith's height, which is listed at 5-foot-10. There are those who suspect he's more like 5-8.

Maybe it's that he played mostly fullback for Hutchinson and there aren't many programs in college football that utilize a fullback.

Maybe it's that all 120 Bowl Subdivision programs are missing the boat on this player.

Or maybe they see something we don't.

I just know that when I was watching Smith slice through an outstanding Bishop Carroll defense for 302 yards in the Class 5A semifinals last month, I thought I was watching a guy who could play at Kansas, Kansas State, Nebraska, Stanford, Texas, Florida, or anywhere in the solar system.

It's true that Carroll geared up its defense to take away some other things that night. And in doing so, the Eagles were ravaged by Smith.

"I would say we've never allowed someone to rush for 300 yards against us,'' Carroll coach Alan Schuckman said. "The kid's definitely a player. I didn't see a deficiency; there's no deficiency in his game.''

Smith rushed for five touchdowns against Carroll. His stats would have been greater had not Hutchinson had another senior standout in its backfield, tailback Deveon Dinwiddie, who rushed for nearly 1,500 yards.

Schuckman, like every other coach who game-planned against Hutchinson this season, had a good idea of what was coming, but no luck stopping it.

Smith, of course, praised his line first for his remarkable season. Then he explained his contribution.

"I try to be a really physical back,'' he said. "I try to deliver the blow instead of taking it.''

And how.

Smith has the quick feet and speed to dance around tacklers. But the football field isn't a dance floor and he prefers leveling defenders who sometimes don't get up quickly.

Smith always does and he's ready for the next carry.

What a player. But what a mystery.

"My favorite school is Nebraska and I was online looking at their roster today and they have a fullback who is 5-10, 220,'' Smith said. "That's about my size, but I haven't heard a word from Nebraska. It's kind of disappointing.''

Smith will take what he can get. Pittsburg State is heavily recruiting him and Kansas State has offered to make him a walk-on, which is not what Smith wants.

He might play tailback at Pitt State. He might play safety somewhere else.

"I'm trying my best to stay patient,'' Smith said. "I know the process isn't over yet."