watermock
09-29-2006, 11:57 AM
The reason that Rod Smith struggled last week wasn't because of the concussion or new helmet, or even his advanced age for the NFL. He has simply used his Vulcan powers to become a symbyant in the mind and body of a new host.
Gawd does this ever seem familiar!
AUBURN, Ala. -- Rodgeriqus Smith walked up to fellow Auburn receiver Courtney Taylor before fall camp bursting with confidence.
"Man, I'm going to start," he pronounced.
It was a bold statement for a walk-on who had to audition just to make the team two years ago. But true to his word, Smith is a starting receiver going into the fourth-ranked Tigers' opener against Washington State.
"I say to myself everyday, 'Man, is this really happening?"' Smith said.
(Rod Smith continually says he checks to make sure his label is still on his locker after all these years...can you imagine how many labels he has seen come and go?)
Smith only got a couple of Division I-AA scholarship offers -- and a third in track -- coming out of high school. He came to Auburn with best friend and receiver signee James Swinton, and tried out with other uninvited walk-ons on the first day of classes in 2004. He caught offensive coordinator Al Borges' eye with a diving catch early, and is still grabbing attention and catches in practice.
"Rod Smith has really been a great, great surprise," Borges said. "He's played well this entire camp."
Coach Tommy Tuberville said Smith won the starting job "because of how he's practiced, how he's played and how he knows the offense."
Smith also had the benefit of playing for a team that lost its top three receivers from last season. He caught passes in four of the first five games as a redshirt freshman.
"I never doubted myself coming out of high school," Smith said. "I always thought I was a [Division I-A] caliber player. I always felt like I could come to a D-1 school and compete, whether it was Auburn or another D-1 school."
When did Taylor first notice Smith's potential?
"The first time I saw him playing basketball," he said. "I feel like he's a heck of an athlete. That's when I knew that he was going to be something special."
Smith's next goal: Get put on scholarship.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2566468
Remember, Rod Smith 1.0 was basically a walk on as well. It must stretch his mental capabilities to overcome concussions and still get into another mind in Auburn.
He's considered too slow for the NFL, but what the hell, let him walk on here. I love underdogs. Too slow is odd considering he was offerred a track scholoarship. I just find it amusing.
Gawd does this ever seem familiar!
AUBURN, Ala. -- Rodgeriqus Smith walked up to fellow Auburn receiver Courtney Taylor before fall camp bursting with confidence.
"Man, I'm going to start," he pronounced.
It was a bold statement for a walk-on who had to audition just to make the team two years ago. But true to his word, Smith is a starting receiver going into the fourth-ranked Tigers' opener against Washington State.
"I say to myself everyday, 'Man, is this really happening?"' Smith said.
(Rod Smith continually says he checks to make sure his label is still on his locker after all these years...can you imagine how many labels he has seen come and go?)
Smith only got a couple of Division I-AA scholarship offers -- and a third in track -- coming out of high school. He came to Auburn with best friend and receiver signee James Swinton, and tried out with other uninvited walk-ons on the first day of classes in 2004. He caught offensive coordinator Al Borges' eye with a diving catch early, and is still grabbing attention and catches in practice.
"Rod Smith has really been a great, great surprise," Borges said. "He's played well this entire camp."
Coach Tommy Tuberville said Smith won the starting job "because of how he's practiced, how he's played and how he knows the offense."
Smith also had the benefit of playing for a team that lost its top three receivers from last season. He caught passes in four of the first five games as a redshirt freshman.
"I never doubted myself coming out of high school," Smith said. "I always thought I was a [Division I-A] caliber player. I always felt like I could come to a D-1 school and compete, whether it was Auburn or another D-1 school."
When did Taylor first notice Smith's potential?
"The first time I saw him playing basketball," he said. "I feel like he's a heck of an athlete. That's when I knew that he was going to be something special."
Smith's next goal: Get put on scholarship.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2566468
Remember, Rod Smith 1.0 was basically a walk on as well. It must stretch his mental capabilities to overcome concussions and still get into another mind in Auburn.
He's considered too slow for the NFL, but what the hell, let him walk on here. I love underdogs. Too slow is odd considering he was offerred a track scholoarship. I just find it amusing.