Smith (6-4, 300) was a three-year starter and a captain at Colorado State. Texans coach Gary Kubiak said after the draft that he has the ability to play either guard or center in the NFL.

With organized team activities on the horizon, we caught up with Smith for a "10 Questions" interview about his thoughts on the city of Houston, his CSU-Texans ties and more.

1. Where are you these days, and what have you been doing since the draft?

"I'm in Denver right now. I've just been training and just preparing myself, making sure I'm in shape and stuff before I come up there."

2. Have you ever been to the city of Houston?

"I have. A couple years ago, we actually played at the University of Houston. It's hard to get a really good impression off of just one quick visit, a business trip that you use to play your game. But from what I've heard, I've heard it's a great city and the people are really friendly. And I know that the Texans are a very good football team and heading in a great direction."

3. The Texans' OTAs start on May 17. What's the first thing other than Reliant Stadium that you plan to check out when you get to Houston?

"The first thing I'll probably be checking out is my playbook (laughs). I'm not really sure after that."

4. Out of all the Colorado State players on the Texans, who would you say that you're closest with?

"Probably Jesse Nading. He was kind of the closest to my age group at CSU. He was up here in Colorado after the draft, actually, so I got a chance to talk to him a little bit. I'm hoping that having a few familiar faces down there will help me out with the transition."

5. Your new offensive line coach, John Benton, and offensive coordinator, Rick Dennison, are both CSU alums. How much contact have you had with them since the draft?

"I've talked to both of them a little bit. I talked to Coach Benton recently. He kind of just told me what I need to know to get prepared to come out there. And I've talked with Coach (Marc) Lubick, of course. He's a great guy."

6. Gary Kubiak said after the draft that you could play at guard or center. What role do you expect to have with the team?

"Basically, I'm just going in with the mindset that I'm going to do whatever it takes to help the team win. Whatever role that'll be, I'll be happy with it. I just want to do my best to help the team win however I can."

7. Do you have any superstitions or gameday rituals?

"You know what, I don't. I just like to visualize what I need to do out there on the field, and that's about it for me. I don't really have any rituals or things like that in particular."

8. What was your favorite moment at Colorado State?

"Probably the bowl game win over Fresno State in the New Mexico Bowl (2008). I remember how determined we were as a team and just really wanted it. And I remember our running back's (Gartrell Johnson) performance was amazing. I think he had a bowl record for the number of yards he had (375 rushing/receiving), so it was a lot of fun. As an offensive line, we took a lot of pride in it."

9. What do you watch on TV?

"Probably my favorite TV shows are the ‘Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' and ‘Law and Order: Special Victims Unit.'"

10. What would you be doing if you weren't about to go into the NFL?

"I'd probably be going back to school to finish up my nutrition degree and probably get into the field of nutrition in some way. It's something I take really seriously. You've got to take care of your body; you only get one."

(Question)

have you met up with the team yet? What will be the biggest change in your game for the texans offense?

(Answer)

No, I haven't. We start on May 17. I'm in Miami working out with guys like Frank Gore, Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew. I'll be ready in two weeks when OTAs start, and I just can't wait to come in and work had and do whatever they ask me to do.

(Question)

 Whats up Ben? What is your first impression of the Texans and of the city Houston? And what team do you look forward to playing the most this season?

(Answer)

From what I've heard, Houston's a great city to live in and it's going to be a great city to play in. We're a good team on the rise, and I just can't wait to get down there. I'm looking forward to playing the Titans, because I know some guys that play for the team that I went to school with and know that's a big rivalry game

(Question)

First off let me say congratulations. I saw the emotion you were going through when your name was drafted and I just wanted to know what were you feeling? How does it feel to finally make it?

(Answer)

It feels great to finally make it. It's a dream come true, but now that I made it, I have to put even more work in. I have to work my hardest to be better.

(Question)

Ben, What number will you be wearing? and why.

(Answer)

43. No reason why. I just picked it. Hopefully I can change it. I really want to get 21 or 24 if I can.

(Question)

Ben, Earl Campbell is one of the most punishing runners in NFL history, it was believed he struck fear in the eyes of defenders. You said "if you cant make them miss, make them pay," What kind of runner do you want to be known for?

(Answer)

I don't know. I don't really try to be known as one style of runner. I just want to be known as a great running back. I feel like I'm the complete package.

(Question)

 Im so excited to have you here in houston.I like you as our ever down back. its not easy to start. do you think the money and fame will change who you are? also what do you think will be the hardest thing to adjust to in the nfl? thanks in advance...

(Answer)

No, the money and fame won't cange me at all because I'm a guy that's humble and I'm always laid back and I'm always working to be the best. I always have a chip on my shoulder. I think the speed of the game might be the biggest thing. I heard it's a lot faster, but playing in the SEC, hopefully it won't be too big of a jump.

(Question)

Last year Brian Cushing got his head shaved as part of the rookie hazing process.... are you expecting any rookie hazing and are you prepared for the worst?

(Answer)

I'm expecting it, but I'm not letting them shave my head. I'm not really sure what to expect, but I guess I'll find out.

(Question)

Hi Ben, Did I read your stat sheet correctly? Did you really not fumble during your entire college career? If that's true, it's unbelievable!!

(Answer)

No, you must have read wrong. That'd be a great stat, though. I had one my sophomore year, two my junior year and two fumbles this year. So for my career, I had five in probably about 600 carries.

(Question)

Have you had a chance to see the wonderful traffic in Houston? Joking aside there's some great things to see out here. What will you go check out first?

(Answer)

I'll probably check out the stadium first. Other than that, I'm not sure because I know nothing about Houston. If anybody has any recomendations, hit me up on Twitter @BenTateRB or on facebook (same thing - BenTateRB)

(Question)

How do you feel about being chosen by Houston? We really struggled in the red zone and short yardage last year. Do you feel that your style of running will help make an impact in this area this year?

(Answer)

I hope my style of running will make an impact in every area, not just there. I'm excited, and I'm happy to be a Texan.

(Question)

How does it feel to have Matt Shaub as your quaterback, and have an explosive Wide Receiver like Andre Johnson? With this type of offense do you think Texans are able to take division or even make playoffs?

(Answer)

Hopefully, that's the plan. I'm down here in Miami now working out with a couple of Andre's former teammates, and we were just talking about how Andre's a beast and one of the top receivers in the NFL. And Matt Schaub, he's a great quarterback. I remember watching Matt at Virginia when they recruited me

(Question)

Can you pleeeeaaase grow your hair out and possibly get dreds it would be sooooo awesome!?!?!

(Answer)

No, I don't know about that. That ain't really my style. Maybe if I do something crazy like run for 2,000 yards or something, then I'll grow my hair out. You'll have to find somebody to do my dreads for me first, though.

(Question)

Hey Ben your vertical leap at the combine was very impressive, you seem to be a great athlete. Do you see yourself leaping over a few piles in the NFL to get into that endzone? And will you save your first TD ball that you score in the NFL?

(Answer)

I can see myself leaping over some piles and getting into the end zone- I did a couple of times at Auburn. I'll definitely want to save that first ball from my first NFL touchdowns. Hopefully, it's against the Colts.

(Question)

Ben, honestly speaking, how much effect did having 4 different OC and 4 different offensive philosophies effect your over all performance? It had to be somewhat frustrating yes?

(Answer)

It was real frustrating, but you've just got to buy into whatever the coaches are saying and just try to be the best. That's what I did. I'd say I was very comfortable with my first system I was in my freshman and sophomore year, and then I was pretty comfortable with my system last year. I was probably most comfortable with the first one just because I was in it so long. The last one, I was still trying to learn it and perfect it late in the year, so I didn't get to learn the ins and outs of it. But I learned it well enough to put up some good numbers.

(Question)

Welcome to Houston Ben. I am very glad that we selected you in the 2nd round rather than Toby like many other fans wanted us to. I am confident you will help jumpstart our running game this year. What do you think you will bring to our team that we have been missing for the past 7 seasons?

(Answer)

Thanks. I'm just going to bring the total package. I don't really know too much of what y'all have been missing from the running game, but hopefully I can fill in those holes and help make the running game a lot better.

(Question)

Hey Ben, what kind of music do you listen to? Who's your favorite singer/artist?

(Answer)

I listen to rap and r&b. some of my favorite rappers are lil wayne, gucci, drake, jay-z, jadakiss. so a different variety.

Lightning quick, Holliday returned two kickoffs and two punts for touchdowns in his collegiate career, and he averaged more than 18 yards per punt return as a senior. At the combine, he ran a 4.34 in the 40-yard dash.

He's also famous for his exploits on the track, as he was an eight-time NCAA All-American and clocked a 10.00 in the 100-meter dash.
 
With organized team activities on the horizon, we caught up with Holliday for a "10 Questions" interview about his time at LSU, memories from his childhood and more.

1. When did you first realize how fast you are?

"When I was a little kid running around the yard with my little cousins."

2. What's your favorite memory of playing LSU football?

"When they honored me as being one of the fastest guys to ever play college football. Right after the honor, I scored a touchdown."

3. At Tiger Stadium, they would play the song "Holiday" by Madonna when you came on the field to return a punt. What did you think of that?

"(Laughs) It was kind of funny every time I'd go out there and hear the song played. It just made me go out and work harder."

4. Have you been reading up on the Texans since you got drafted?

"Oh, yeah, I've been looking on the internet every day. Just trying to get familiar with the Texans organization and reading up on things like that."

5. Do you have any superstitions, or do you do anything special on game day?

"No, nothing superstitious. But before pre-game warmups, I'll just take a jog from end zone to end zone."

6. Do you eat anything special the night before a game?

"Steak."

7. What was your favorite class at LSU?

"Math."

8. If you get two Texans tickets to give to family/friends, who gets them?

"Whoo! That's kind of hard. But my mother would be one, and I'd just let her bring someone with her who she wants to come."

9. What's something that people don't know about you, that would be surprising?

"I like to sit at home and watch ‘Sponge Bob' and ‘Tom and Jerry.'"

10. What would you have done after college, if you weren't headed to the NFL?

"I would coach a Pee-Wee football team."

1. Since the draft, what have you been doing to stay in shape?

"I'm in Pittsburgh still, and I've just been training at my facility that I trained at in college. I've been working out with my strength coach, and everything is going pretty good. Just trying to get into the best shape possible before I come down to Houston, with all that really hot weather down there."

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Season almost over, So without nothing else to do here's a poll.And If You have someone else in mind leave a comment with the player name...I really want John Wall, but we all know that aint gone happen... Favors or Cousins will do and/or Wille Warren,We Can always trade the pick, but hey (You Decide) Might be early, But this will give Fan's something to look forward too.Go Rockets!!!!!!!!!!

Though it has long been assumed Rockets center Yao Ming's foot injury and extensive surgery would prevent him from opting out of his contract after this season, Yao said Saturday he was "not sure" if the uncertainty with the NBA's labor negotiations would lead him to become a free agent this summer.

Yao, 29, said he has not considered his options, but was noncommittal about whether he might opt out of his contract...(Link) http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bk/bkn/6934385.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+houstonchronicle%2Fspbkbkn+%28HoustonChronicle.com+--+NBA+Basketball%29

Is it Me Or Can We Really Use Jeff Van Gundy Right Now...

I Mean Other Then Rudy T, he's My Fav, Coach...We Lack (D)efense, and Whats A TeXas Team Without it......

I Just don't Buy Rick Adelman's Gameplan,  Leslie Alexander Wanted A More Uptempo Team Which is nice But The Rockets Needs Discipline,  Defense, And Strategy, Well Better Strategy... I'm Just Saying, Not Hating On Rick But Damn I Know Yall See Him Get Out Coached, We Have 2 much Talent On Our Team...I Think Its Time For A Change...Plz Vote...Thanks 4 Reading!!!

Luis Scola: "In three weeks, my contract comes to an end and I want to do my best. I want to stay. I’m sure they also (want me to stay). But the NBA is much more complicated than that. If I don’t stay in Houston, there’s more teams in this league. And if it’s not in the NBA, there are many places to play around the world."(Here's The Link) http://www.hoopsnotes.com/2010/03/scola-says-he-wants-to-stay-in-houston/