Posted by  Marshall, SLC, UT on 05/13  at  01:24 AM

I feel it is my duty to point out that all of this is in a Bowl Game against Georgia Tech, an ACC team, not a Division 2 or 3 school. Last but certainly not least, at 9:40, you see the other part of his game that reminds me of Steve Smith. The brashness and confidence to go to the camera and say “Look into my eyes and tell me what you see! I see greatness!” I think I also mentioned the kid can return punts. Check out “Clifton Smith - Punt Return Against Boise State” and “Clifton Smith vs Weber State” also on YouTube to see his punt return skills in action. In closing, I think I’ll borrow a quote that Coach Gruden loves: “The kid has got some “JUICE”.

Posted by  Marshall, SLC, UT on 05/13  at  01:22 AM

At 5:04 you’ll see him go off left tackle untouched for a 43 yard TD run. (Great vision, quickness and burst displayed on the play) 7:55 he takes a draw that appeared to be stuffed for a loss and turns it into 16 yards and a first down. (Can create yards when there appears to be nothing there. Vision, shiftiness, creativity and burst all on display here) At 8:10 he takes a direct snap and launches a pass into the end zone… (the pass fell incomplete, but it shows he has the ability to take a direct snap and pass the ball) At 9:02 he takes it to the house again on another run off left tackle, this time for 32 yards. (Again, his vision, burst, and flat out speed are evident as he out runs a DB to the goal line)

Posted by  Marshall, SLC, UT on 05/13  at  01:16 AM

Here is my 3 part Scouting Report on Clifton “Batman” Smith:
Go to YouTube and look up “Fresno State vs Georgia Tech - 2007 Humanitarian Bowl”. At 2:08, the “little guy” Clifton “Batman” Smith (#2) is the one leading the play and making the crushing block that springs #5 for the TD. (So we see here that he is willing to block and is pretty good at it for a little guy) At the 3:08 mark, he takes a screen pass 36 yards with some “nifty” moves. (He can catch the ball and knows what to do with it after the catch) At 4:32 he takes a 5 yard in route 18 yards and doesn’t shy away from contact, but actually delivers the blow to the defender. (Can split out as a WR and run West Coast type routes and get YAC and isn’t afraid of contact)

Posted by  Marshall, SLC, UT on 05/13  at  12:52 AM

I was around to see another “little” guy with the last name of Smith tearing up college football on punt returns and just about any time he touched the ball. His name was Steve Smith and he played for the Univ. of Utah right here in SLC. When I watched the highlights of this Clifton Smith kid on YouTube I thought I was watching Steve Smith all over again. There’s no guarantees, but if the kid works at it, he could become an electrifying player for the Bucs. That Charlie Garner type of back that Gruden hasn’t had in his offense since way back in his Oakland days. One thing this kid doesn’t lack and that is confidence. He reminds me of Steve Smith in how brash and cocky he is, but he backs it up on game day.

Posted by  Mitch R, NYC on 05/11  at  05:27 PM

And Steve, name 10 undrafted free agents over the past 5 years that have made an impact on the NFL.  I’ll give you earnest graham, name 9 more.

Posted by  Mitch R, NYC on 05/11  at  05:26 PM

Steve, sure players get missed.  But according to some, this kid is the “real deal”.  NFL team’s college scouting is so good and so thorough, I find it hard to believe that this kid was completely overlooked by every single team, especially when most 6th and 7th rounders are essentially practice squad players.  If he works out and makes the team, I will be happy to eat my words, but the more like scenario is that this kid is signed to the practice squad.

Posted by  steve, tampa on 05/11  at  04:24 PM

mitch, there were a couple hundred players that didnt get drafted but still worked out for teams in camps over the last few week.  a few handfuls have signed to teams as well.  you dont think it is possible that anyone gets overlooked.  How are teams supposed to legitemately evaluate every junior and senior in college football without the ocassional mistake.  there are a lot of undrafted players making an impact in the league.  Thats how its possible for a player to be the real deal and not get drafted.  is it this kid smith, probably not, but undrafted players do make an impact from time to time.

Posted by  Kraig Thomas, Fresno on 05/11  at  01:24 PM

Pull up the Fresno st geogia tech game on you tube and you will get an idea of Smith out of the back field

Posted by  Ben Forlaw, Atlanta on 05/08  at  06:48 PM

I hope Amarri Jackson can make it to a roster spot.  As bad as they need receivers, he has pretty good speed and is 6’5, making him a great over-the-middle target.  I’d love to see a hometown guy do well in Tampa.  Go Bulls and Bucs!

Posted by  Richard M, Fort Worth, Texas on 05/07  at  02:31 PM

I know Tommy Blake had a try-out with the Bucs. I also know the kind of lack-luster season and off-the-field problems he had at TCU. But, during his junior season he was a monster. I realize a free agents chacnes of making the NFL are slim, but was wondering if he will end up getting a contract with the Bucs? I haven’t seen his name on any of the recently posted lists, so I’m thinking he didn’t impress Monte Kiffin.

Posted by  Mitch R, NYC on 05/07  at  11:36 AM

Matt, if Smith is the “Real Deal”, how is it possible that no team wanted to waste a draft pick on him?  I’m not saying that he wasn’t a good collegiate player, but 32 NFL GM and Scouts decided that something about him didn’t translate well (enough) into the NFL to spend a pick on him.  The Bucs did, however, draft Dexter Jackson in the 2nd round as a WR/PR and last I checked, he ran a reported 4.2 40.

Posted by  steve, tampa on 05/07  at  02:38 AM

teams load up at a lot of positions before the season starts.  they want to get the best players they can find. what if one of these players turn out to be the next big star.  players also get injured and you need people to step up.  you also keep guys on the practice squad for a just in case clause.  also loading up at positions creates more competition, so by all means get 10 qbs 20 rbs 30 wrs. at the beggining of the season well be down to 53, so who cares how many at any position we sign.

Posted by  Matt Weger, Visalia, CA on 05/06  at  10:46 PM

Alright here’s the deal..I’m a Cali boy and have been to MANY Fresno State games, Clifton Smith IS the REAL DEAL..Every single punt return has a chance to be broken, he only ran a 4.4 or so, but he has that next man speed..alot like D. Hester.  I’m tellin’ you this is a GREAT kid and tough as hell…And as a Rookie Free Agent…Hell that’s nothin’ but a come up for us!! GO BUCS!

Posted by  Marshall, SLC, UT on 05/06  at  10:28 PM

Warrick Dunn is 5’9 187…. and last time I checked he’s rushed for over 10,000 yards and caught for over 4,000 yards in the NFL. So why can’t a guy who is 5’8 190 play ball? Brian Westbrook is listed at 5’10 200, but I’d bet he’s closer to 5’9 195… Steve Smith is 5’9 185.

Where am I going with this?
I think the problem these days is everybody looks at a players height / weight and 40 time to see whether he belongs in the NFL, but nobody looks at their toughness, courage and heart. Walter Payton wasn’t that big either. I’m not saying this Smith kid is the next Walter Payton, all I’m saying is stop judging someone’s game by his height & weight measurements. It shows your ignorance.

Posted by  George Leslie Hicks, Dallas,Texas on 05/06  at  09:00 PM

I think the four players coming in camp. Means that those positions will be some important battles over the summer and beyond. Lets Go Bucs-11 and 5 and back to the playoffs.Espically if the players stay injured free.

Posted by  Mitch R, NYC on 05/06  at  08:00 PM

Hey Brandon,

Since when does “All Purpose Back” entail punt and kick returns?  All Purpose Football Player, sure, but All Purpose Back?  All Purpose to me means, someone who can do it all and will be in there when the game is on the line, ala Emmitt Smith, Thurman Thomas, LT, Brian Westbrook, etc.

Posted by  Brandon Short, Woodbridge, VA on 05/06  at  07:31 PM

Actually, Clifton Smith is not really all that fast, but he is lightning quick.  If he were to make it in the NFL he would be very similiar to Vai Sikahema.

Posted by  Brandon Short, Woodbridge, VA on 05/06  at  07:29 PM

Hey Mitch,

You must have a different definition for all-purpose than what knowledgeable people do.

All-purpose=running, receiving, punt returns, kick returns, etc. 

Carnell Wiliams=running east-west, fumbling, dropping passes, getting injured, etc.

Big difference.

Posted by  orlandobucsfan, orlando on 05/06  at  06:23 PM

Clifton Smith was signed because of his kick return ability.  He led all of college football with a 14.4 yard punt return average last year.  He’s lightning fast, and had several kick returns for touchdowns.  It’s great to see the Bucs adding speed, speed and more speed especially on the special teams because field position is so important.  having said all that, chances of any of the four actually making the team are slim and none.

Posted by  George C, Long Island, NY on 05/06  at  04:38 PM

We don’t need WR help if we don’t have the QB to hit them in stride. This is probably why we’re adding RB help, screen passes and dink and dunk seem to be the best our QBs can do.

Posted by  Ryan Blanco, Ocoee, FL on 05/06  at  04:06 PM

I think by all-purpose back he means a back that can catch the ball out of the backfield, provide a change of pace, and return kicks.  I don’t think all-purpose means every-down back.

Colt Brennan sucks and he was drafted by the Redskins.

Jonathan Stewart may be good, but that remains to be seen.  The Panthers picked before the Bucs, and I definitely would not have supported mortgaging our draft to move up to draft an RB that isn’t even healthy right now.

Clifton Smith will most likely not make this team.

Posted by  Mitch R, NYC on 05/06  at  04:01 PM

No Shaun Alexander.  He’s done.  Let someone else pay a boatload of money for his services.

Posted by  ted karniewicz, Tampa on 05/06  at  03:47 PM

Clifton Smith will most likely be a special teams player for the Bucs. He’s not going to get carries this year.

Posted by  clifford cotton, sebring on 05/06  at  03:34 PM

how about shawn alexander. i am sure he has something left in the tank. seattle did try to run him to death but he is still a premium back. maybe he could be signed to an incentive laden contract for one year. also anyone know who signed colt brennan ? he is a mobile qb that gruden could mold for the future if nothing else as a future backup.

Posted by  Dan Shreve, Titusville,FL on 05/06  at  02:52 PM

Mitch, Thats my point. Why did we add RB Clifton Smith? We don’t need him. We have enough RBs right now.We have 6 or 7 of them, good ones.And if we was looking to pick up another one we should of got the best one available that probly would have been Rhodes at the time. I’m not refering about draft day.What I am saying is that we should of signed more WRs. from mini-camp.  Thats what we need the most right now. We are pretty much already stacked everywhere else.