K-Stated

Sometimes, after talking to a kid on the phone for a few minutes, an instant impression is formed.

More times than not, it’s positive. I remember getting off the phone last year with current K-State backup quarterback Tysyn Hartman and shaking my head. He was so poised and articulate, it was hard to believe he was a teenager.

For different reasons, I had a similar experience Tuesday with Garden City wide receiver Brodrick Smith.

Full disclosure — he’s a Chad Johnson fan, so it’s easier to enjoy anyone who appreciates a member of my beloved Cincinnati Bengals, if not the collective, dysfunctional group.

But he likes “Ocho Cinco” because they’re similar in size and, according to Smith, speed.

Smith is 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds.

Johnson is 6-foot-1 and 192.

Smith said he was timed this summer in the 40 at 4.43 seconds.

Johnson told Mel Kiper, Jr., before he was drafted his best time was 4.27.

Kansas State fans can only hope Smith can have the same impact — OK, on-field impact — as Johnson, hopefully as soon as next year to help ease the loss of Jordy Nelson. Currently sitting on six offers — K-State, Arizona, Minnesota, Colorado State, Wyoming and another school he couldn’t remember, which doesn’t bode well for that university — Smith made it clear he’s a Wildcats lean.

They offered him this summer, the first to do so. Right now, almost out of courtesy, he’s keeping Arizona and Minnesota alive, but he’s all but made his decision, which will be officially public knowledge Dec. 1.

His father, Lawrence Tolbert, played wide receiver at K-State from 1986-88, catching 19 passes for 197 yards and a touchdown in 28 games. Smith said his speed comes from Tolbert, who originally attended K-State on a track scholarship. But he isn’t receiving any advice on which school he should attend from his father, whom he hasn’t seen in several months.

The two talk every day, sometimes twice a day, and Smith said the relationship is fine. But Tolbert, according to his son, has been in and out of jail for some time.

“He’s in Wichita now on work-release,” Smith said. “He’ll be done in December. … He’s been in for five years for forgery.”

There is no anger in his voice. It’s just how it is, Smith said.

Instead, his mother, Launa, filled the void, working two jobs to take care of Smith and his younger brother, Desmond.

His mother called during our conversation, and he promptly clicked over to speak with her.

There don’t seem to be any character issues here, even though Smith was suspended a game late in the season for fighting.

He insists it was a competitive issue. According to Smith, he was playing defensive back and he was applying press coverage on a scout team receiver, who didn’t appreciate the attention. The receiver grabbed Smith’s face mask, and a scuffle ensued.

Doesn’t seem like a big deal, and it hasn’t scared off K-State.

Smith said he speaks with the coaching staff — mostly linebackers/special teams coach Matt Wallerstedt, wide receivers coach Dave Brock, assistant head coach/offensive line coach Tim McCarty, offensive coordinator James Franklin and defensive coordinator Tim Tibesar — every Sunday, usually for around 30 minutes as the phone is passed around.

There are exceptions, though.

“Against Dodge, when I ran for, like, 370 yards, I talked to Coach Prince,” said Smith, referring to his 361-yard, four-touchdown effort in a 42-28 victory against Dodge City.

Smith said he posted season rushing totals of 1,600 yards and 18 touchdowns while playing quarterback, which he essentially explained as “in the shotgun, running around.”

Imagine what he might do with some structure.

Or don’t — an unnamed talent scout who knows of what he speaks told me Smith was “the real deal.” The recruiting behemoths aren’t so sure — Rivals.com gives him three stars.

All I know is, well, what I know.

He seems likes a good kid.