Por (Marshall) on May 12, 2008 (Suggest removal)

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.

Por (Marshall) on May 13, 2008 (Suggest removal)

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)

Por (Marshall) on May 13, 2008 (Suggest removal)

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)

Por (Marshall) on May 13, 2008 (Suggest removal)

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”.