Jets’ Smith could be the next “Slash”

By Krupka  |   Wednesday, May 17, 2006  |  Comments( 3 )

New York Jets
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans!

"Rolls out of the pocket, takes off, speed burst, spin move, speed burst, juke, speed burst, down the sideline--Touchdown!"

That was quarterback Brad Smith under the alias of QB #16 in EA Sports NCAA Football 2006.

"He's going to run the option. Smith around the end, fakes the pitch, cuts inside, juke, he's sprinting down the sideline--Touchdown!"

That was quarterback Brad Smith in the Independence Bowl last season against the South Carolina Gamecocks.

Smith was a tremendous athlete playing the quarterback position in college. He is a playmaker that was a threat every play because the ball was always in his hands. He is the only player in NCAA Division I-A history to throw for 8,000 yards and rush for 4,000.

In his freshman year, the 6'2", 210-pound athletic machine began displaying his freakish skills. He threw for 2,333 yards with 15 touchdowns and six interceptions. He added 1,029 yards and seven more touchdowns rushing.

In his sophomore season he continued to amaze. On an October 25, 2003 matchup with the Texas Tech Red Raiders, Smith put on one of the greatest single-game rushing performances for a quarterback in recent memory. His 291 yards rushing and five rushing touchdowns led the Tigers to a 62-31 victory. He also completed 13 passes for 128 yards in the game. He finished his sophomore campaign with 1,977 yards passing with 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also added an incredible 1,406 yards rushing and a whopping 18 rushing touchdowns.

By his junior season he began making a name for himself. Although his rushing stats were down a bit, it was his best year for touchdown passes. He finished with 2,185 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He added 553 yards rushing and four touchdowns.

This past season, his senior year, Smith had another incredible season, leading the Tigers to a 7-5 record and an Independence Bowl victory. He racked up 2,304 yards passing with 13 TD and nine interceptions. He also rushed for 1,301 yards and 16 touchdowns.

However, Smith's arm strength is only considered average to below average. His career 56.2 percent completion percentage also leaves something to be desired. Still, there isn't a single person that can question his athleticism or work ethic.

The New York Jets selected the "athlete" in the fourth round with hopes of converting him into a wide receiver. In his four years at Missouri, Smith even made a few receptions. He caught eight passes for 130 yards and a touchdown.

"This guy is an outstanding football player; he can catch the ball and he can run with the ball. We're excited about him," said Jets head coach Eric Mangini when asked about Smith.

Mangini is right on with his assessment. The New York Jets should be excited about the great combination of skills that Smith possesses. Because of this, they could be inclined to turn him into a "slash" player who can play wide receiver, running back, quarterback and return kicks. He has the speed to fit in at any position (4.46 40-yard dash at the combine), and as a testament to the statistics, it's obvious he can catch and throw, too. Just ask the 2003 Texas Tech players what they think.

Although it has failed once since the Pittsburgh Steelers did it successfully with the original "Slash" Kordell Stewart, it would be in the Jets' best interest to give it a shot. The unsuccessful attempt was with former Nebraska Heisman winning quarterback Eric Crouch and the St. Louis Rams. However, Crouch had a bad attitude toward changing positions, and his heart was never in playing in the NFL. With Smith, it's the total opposite. He just wants to be part of the team and contribute.

Will we see Brad Smith running out of the backfield, taking snaps under center, or lined up at wide receiver next season? Only time will tell. But if he has the ball in his hands, watch out, points will probably be scored.

Get more Brad Smith insights at Realfootball365.com

Eric Krupka can be reached at ekrupka@realfootball365.com
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans! (3)

Article Tools Share!   |  RSS  |  Bleacher Report About Bleacher Report
CommentsComments: 3  |  Sign Up  View all comments
No.1
brian		12:56 AM
09/01/2006
i played at missouri with brad and can assure all jets fans that he will be an incredible asset to both your team and your ...
No.2
Mike Holsinger		03:27 PM
09/10/2006
I watched Brad Smith play four years at Missouri. For the Jets, he may make his biggest marks running back kicks and kickoffs, ...
No.3
Jet Fan		11:19 AM
08/16/2007
Smith will be a wonderful addition to the roster if we get him on the field & give him substantial touches. He's a born winner & ...
Team News  |  View All Jets Content
On The Rebound ...
The New York Jets are the desperate ex-girlfriend of the NFL. After wa ...
2 months, 3 weeks ago   |   On The Rebound ( 1 )
Jets vs. Rams in-depth recap ...
Preseason Week #1 Rams at Jets Questions for the game 1. What will ...
3 months ago   |   Jets vs. Rams in-depth recap as well as a look ahead to the Ravens ( 3 )
No Need to Rush Sanchez ...
When Carson Palmer was drafted first overall in 2003, the plan from th ...
3 months, 1 week ago   |   No Need to Rush Sanchez ( 2 )
Rex Ryan’s sack happy defens ...
A new season, a new quarterback. Jets fans must be experiencing deja-v ...
3 months, 2 weeks ago   |   Rex Ryan’s sack happy defense comes to New York ( 2 )
A breath of fresh air ...
Count me as a charter member of the Rex Ryan fan club. In a league fi ...
5 months, 1 week ago   |   A breath of fresh air ( 3 )