A Conversation With Alex Smith Alex Smith caught two touchdown passes in his first professional game, but since that performance against Minnesota in 2005, nothing has come easy for him. Smith had 32 receptions for 385 yards and three touchdowns last season, ranking 26th among tight ends in catches. He severely sprained his ankle against Tennessee in Week 6 and played through pain last season. The Bucs signed free-agent tight ends Ben Troupe and John Gilmore, who will push Smith for playing time this year. Smith said he is not worried about his playing time, and he was not bothered to answer questions about his future. How is your ankle doing? My body feels good. I feel like I came in this offseason at a lighter weight. I've been able to focus on getting better instead. How did the injury limit you last season? Anytime you have an injury, it limits what you can do. You try to work through it the best you can because there is really no time off until you're done. How important is this offseason to your career? It's real important. It's Year 4 already, and I think there is no more time for excuses. I'm not young anymore. It's time to start making things happen and become a dominant player. So far, I've had an all-right career, but not where I foresee myself by any means. It's time for me to put up and stop talking about it. Why have you not lived up to your own expectations? There are a number of reasons. Injuries play a part, and getting opportunities. I had some opportunities and capitalized. When you don't have as many opportunities, it snowballs into each other. I'm trying to put it all behind me and have the best season I can this year. Did you think the NFL would be easy after your first game? Everybody told me it's not always going to be that easy. It definitely has not been that easy. I got to fight the frustration part of not getting the ball. I've had some opportunities, but I have to capitalize when my number is called. Since the Bucs signed two tight ends, are you worried about your playing time? I never worry about it or look over my shoulder. With the type of offense we run, Coach Jon Gruden loves to have more than one tight end on the field at one time. I just understand his philosophy. If I worry about who is behind my back, then I can never move forward. All I can do is take care of me. I'm confident in what I can get done, and I know what I'm capable of. It's time for me to put it on the field. So you're not worried at all? Not as long as I handle my business; I don't worry about stuff like that. I can only worry about what I'm able to do and make myself better every day. When you see guys like Tony Gonzalez and Antonio Gates, do you wish you were utilized like them? There are guys who are featured like receivers and get the ball eight to 10 times a game. That's not realistic in this system, but there is no reason why I can't put up decent numbers and do a lot of things I see them doing. As far as the volume goes, it's pretty much not going to happen over here. What numbers would equate to a good season for you? I don't try to put any numbers to it. Just to be up there with the top tight ends. Yards down the field, yards after catch, scoring in the red zone. I don't really try to quantify it. Being in the top 10 is bare minimum for me. I'm trying to make the Pro Bowl, and you have to be one of those elite tight ends to do that. There are no more excuses. This is Year 4. It's time to put up or shut up. It's time to get it done Anwar Richardson, The Tampa Tribune 23 May 2008