Former UAlbany standout Drew Smith has been released by the Buffalo Bills.

Here is the team's release.

This is what Smith tweeted on Thursday afternoon.

Thanks again @buffalobills, for making this one hell of a year. Goodluck in the playoffs this year 😉! http://t.co/VF26S0Q29Z
— andrew smith (@isayaaa10) September 5, 2013

Smith suffered a finger injury late in training camp and was placed on Injured Reserve.

For Smith to make it as far as he did, as an undrafted free agent, speaks volumes for how much he accomplished. 

AP

One year ago, Drew Smith was working with his University at Albany teammates, trying to get ready for the season opener against Colgate.

This season, Smith is hoping just to make the team -- in the NFL -- with the Buffalo Bills.

Smith went undrafted after finishing off a terrific career for the Great Danes, but was signed as a free agent by Buffalo and invited to training camp at St. John Fisher College, in Rochester.

He's listed as a fullback and fighting for a precious roster spot with the Bills.

Smith has already started to make a name for himself, catching a touchdown from fellow rookie EJ Manuel, in a scrimmage and making one catch in the Bills first preseason game against Indianapolis.

Smith's success at the highest level hasn't surprised his former offensive coordinator Ryan McCarthy.

“He’s just a guy that everybody we played, whether it was Youngstown State, Maine, New Hampshire, they all knew exactly who that guy was.”

Smith rushed for more than 1,000 yards, as a junior and a senior for UAlbany, and while he wasn't playing against talent like he'll see in the NFL, his 6-foot-2, 225-pound frame is certainly big league.

“He looks like he belongs to me," McCarthy said. "He looks like one of those guys. I would not be surprised if he makes that roster.”

Smith's versatility could help his chances to make the roster. For the Great Danes, he played quarterback, running back, fullback, receiver and was on special teams. 

“I think the NFL teams want to see that on tape, see a guy moving around,” said McCarthy. 

Smith is a guy who certainly has the looks of a pro, but now he's hoping his play will keep him on the field for the Bills. 

“Everything I’ve heard is he has a legitimate shot to make the team," McCarthy said. "I hope nothing but the best for him. He’s the most versatile player I’ve every coached since I’ve been here."

AP

In what has been a big few days for local football players, CBA grad Joe Vellano and RPI's Mike Hermann have signed free agent contracts with NFL teams.

Vellano and Hermann join UAlbany players Drew Smith (Buffalo) and Jon Morgan (Detroit), as four players with local ties have now signed free agent deals.

Vellano, who played at Maryland, signed a deal with New England, while Hermann has inked with Oakland.

The draft came and went without any locals being selected, but it was shortly after where news happened.

Former University at Albany running back Drew Smith agreed to a free agent contract with the Buffalo Bills.

Smith said Wednesday that the four most interested teams were the Bills, Falcons, Panthers and Saints. 

Smith's agent JR Rickert tweeted Saturday evening, “@JRRickert: JRSE is thrilled to announce that client @UAlbany @isayaaa10 Drew Smith has signed with the Buffalo #Bills!”