New Guy???

[BMT TEXAN]

I read in the news section that we are bringing in Joe Smith who lead the CFL in rushing last season for a work-out today & possibly sign him today. Did any of you guys ever seen this guy play or know anything bout him? If we do go this route, i seriously think RB in first rnd is totally out of the question. What ya'll think bout this move? I think it's brilliant, searching all avenues w/out giving up the house & barn to attain it. This guy might be a stud RB we crave or just another average RB. Either way were trying!!!

[Vinny]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/rumors/post/Several-NFL-teams-intersted-in-CFL-star-Joe-Smit?urn=nfl,60184

CND (http://boards.houstontexans.com/member.php?u=241) just dropped this link too. Seems a few teams are looking at him.

[GT]

Here is a little more info:


http://www.cfl.ca/index.php?module=roster&func=display&ros_id=807

Selected as B.C.'s Outstanding Player. The second-year Lion enjoyed an incredible season, winning the CFL's rushing title with 1,510 yards, breaking a team record set by Cory Philpot in 1995. Smith set a new standard for the Lions with 18 rushing touchdowns, one shy of a CFL regular season record.


Smith signed with the Tennessee Titans in January, 2005 and was allocated to the Rhein Fire of NFL Europe. He led the Fire with 1,026 rushing yards on 223 carries and add five touchdowns. He also set a league record with six consecutive 100-yard rushing games.

[SuperstarII]

Here is a little more info:


http://www.cfl.ca/index.php?module=roster&func=display&ros_id=807

Selected as B.C.'s Outstanding Player. The second-year Lion enjoyed an incredible season, winning the CFL's rushing title with 1,510 yards, breaking a team record set by Cory Philpot in 1995. Smith set a new standard for the Lions with 18 rushing touchdowns, one shy of a CFL regular season record.


Smith signed with the Tennessee Titans in January, 2005 and was allocated to the Rhein Fire of NFL Europe. He led the Fire with 1,026 rushing yards on 223 carries and add five touchdowns. He also set a league record with six consecutive 100-yard rushing games.

wow Texans need to pick this guy up. He seems to be a star in the making.

[SMC-22]

The CFL mileage is got to be softer than NFL poundings.

[El Tejano]

Well given Richard Smith's track record so far in street FAs, I have no reason to think this guy sux if we get him. I like that we are doing things to try and make our team better.

I am only going to look back at this past pre-season when we wanted to get more out of the WR corp and when Taylor went down with an injury. Kubiak went out and got more WRs to create a competition and when Taylor went down we became limited as to what we could do.

Mix that with when Green wasn't playing, and Dayne had some aggrevation injuries - we came down to only Echemandu and Walker running the ball. I believe we are going to fill up the RB spot for comp and security. This guy can be cut at any time and if a guy like Stewart or Mendenhall land to us, you better believe we are going to consider them.

[DiehardChris]

Looks like he's been great everywhere he's gone. I trust Smith and Kubes, so if they want to bring him in, that's cool with me. I still think Ahman could have a big impact if he were healthy, but there's nothing to suggest that he ever will be. (Like so many of us said BEFORE that signing, LOL)

[ubecool454]

Bring him in because although I've never seen him run I trust Kubiak and crew on this one. He doesn't have to come in and be the man but he will be in a nice stable of backs if Ahman can come back and give us eight games. Taylor , Smith and Green with Walker as a change of pace. Sorry Dayne, I like you but this is business. I think the Texans already know that Mendenhall will be gone but hopefully kenny philips is still there at eighteen. Hopefully we can get Trufant in free agency and get this guy Smith. If we can pull that off, then what do we do?

[HydrOshocK]

Bring him in. Unlike some of our backs at least the guy has achieved success at the pro level. It would be great for depth and competition. I like this news and support the deal if it happens.

[HuttoKarl]

I found some of the comments on the yahoo league pretty informative....1500 yards in the CFL is really good. They only have three downs and are usually very pass-oriented (I don't do CFL, so I didn't know that). Guy runs between the tackles (which we will need in Gibbs' scheme).

Sounds like a good way to get a guy at a value price and concentrate draft picks in other areas.

[GT]

Has anyone heard any updates on this guy? I just read this article (http://www.canada.com/theprovince/news/sports/story.html?id=808f8fa7-4360-441e-9c9b-123b53aa88fd)that he had to sign with a NFL team by 1pm today before his rights defer back to the CFL....so the Texans would have to try him out and if he makes the cut, would have to sign him to a contract on the spot. I'm excited to find out more about this...this guy seems very talented.What I found real interesting was the following statement from the link you posted:
saying the Lions are not in a position to make an offer that could match even the minimum rookie salary of $295,000 per season in the four-down league

Cheap cheap........ sign the man and lets see how he plays!!!!!!!!!!!!!;)

[GT]

Still no word? Did we sign him? Did we not sign him? Did he in fact try out for us today?:confused:Chill dude.......your'e embarrassing me with that confused look on your face!:D

I don't know but geezzzzzzzz someone please go surfing before we have to tranquilize the man. :eek:

[HydrOshocK]

I still haven't seen anything. I know they would've had to make a deal on the spot but that's not a big issue. Standard low range offers are easy to work out in short notice. It would've been just a matter of whether Smith and the coaches liked what they saw.

On that note you'd have to think a 1500 rusher in any pro league would be in shape and look good. There's nothing on our news page and all Google searhes for "joe smith texans" just lead to the early announcement of a tryout with us.

I'll keep looking.

[HydrOshocK]

I can't find a highlight vid on him anywhere either. If anyone has access please do a little research for us on this. Don't we have some Canadian fans on this board? If so, please see what you can find out because I want to know more about this guy. This could be a very good pick up.

[GT]

I still haven't seen anything. I know they would've had to make a deal on the spot but that's not a big issue. Standard low range offers are easy to work out in short notice. It would've been just a matter of whether Smith and the coaches liked what they saw.

On that note you'd have to think a 1500 rusher in any pro league would be in shape and look good. There's nothing on our news page and all Google searhes for "joe smith texans" just lead to the early announcement of a tryout with us.

I'll keep looking.This was the problem I encountered until I went to the CFL.Even that was not a big help.......hmmm maybe I can check Canadian Television.

[zanth91]

No useful videos that I could find.

[GT]

Trying to upload video from the CBC, but I am having no success. :mad:

[HydrOshocK]

I found this while looking for some stuff on him from his LA Tech days. He was a JC transfer from a small school in New Mexico so there's not a whole lot on the guy, but while he played he sure did make an impact for the team.....pretty impressive.

http://web1.ncaa.org/d1mfb/playerDetail.jsp?yr=2002&org=366&player=30


It seems he particularly liked to pick on San Jose St and UTEP :eek:

[GT]

Got to step out for awhile......here is a site I've been toying with maybe someone will have better luck.:(

http://www.cfl.ca/index.php?module=videofb&func=view

[HydrOshocK]

http://www.collegian.psu.edu/archive/2002/09/09-19-02tdc/09-19-02dsports-08.asp

The Bulldogs recruited Smith in 1999 when he graduated from Cleveland High School in Cleveland, Tex. Smith was an honorable mention to the all-state team

[GT]

http://www.collegian.psu.edu/archive/2002/09/09-19-02tdc/09-19-02dsports-08.aspHometown boy......wow :eek:

[HydrOshocK]

Hometown boy......wow :eek:

yep. He's got a pretty good story too. I liked the article. Basically it said his grades weren't good enough to get a scholarship, especially at a Texas school (where RBs are a dime a dozen) so he went to a military JC in New Mexico to get his academics straight. To me that smells of a man with a strong work ethic.

"It was a great experience," Smith said. "It gave me a chance to keep playing football out of high school, but it also gave me a lot of help on my time management skills. I got up early every morning, spent all day in meetings and study hall, and classes. We did a lot of group things, and made a close knit group of friends. I wouldn't change a thing about it."

[headsplint]

He's not gonna be a Texan.


http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=0589b3fe-c0ab-4509-9077-ad15b9839750&k=60360

[HydrOshocK]

If you keep reading that article it talks about him in a one-back pass oriented offense. Now he's in the CFL where they run pass oriented offenses primarily. That tells me the guy is good a) with limited reps and b) running out of spread formations. He could prove to be a very good "change of pace" back, which is what he's likely to start out as in the NFL. Whereas some guys have to get a ton of reps to be productive, this guy sounds as if he's able to produce on almost every opportunity.

[headsplint]

If you go on and read that article they seem to think all signs point to the Texans going with a RB in the first round of the draft. I'm still not convinced, but I understand his position...it would be a huge risk for him considering he may get cut in TC.

[HydrOshocK]

bummer. well that settles that I suppose. well good for him, at least he's got a long term deal in a place that he's successful. At the very least it sparked some interesting talk on the boards.

Lewis said the Texans offered a contract worth about $370,000 a season, but with NFL free agency and the college draft on the horizon there were no guarantees Smith wouldn't be released before training camp started.

very true

[headsplint]

bummer. well that settles that I suppose. well good for him, at least he's got a long term deal in a place that he's successful. At the very least it sparked some interesting talk on the boards.

Ya, just a drop in the bucket, the flood gates will open soon. can't wait.

[ubecool454]

I can't find a highlight vid on him anywhere either. If anyone has access please do a little research for us on this. Don't we have some Canadian fans on this board? If so, please see what you can find out because I want to know more about this guy. This could be a very good pick up.

Try Youtube.

[ubecool454]

Forget it he's not coming to Houston. Signed for 3 more years with BC, Sooooo back to thinking Mendenhall.

[GT]

bummer. well that settles that I suppose. well good for him, at least he's got a long term deal in a place that he's successful. At the very least it sparked some interesting talk on the boards.Could have made one great story if he could have had success in Houston......you know struggling young man who strives for a goal and comes full circle.At least the man gave us an outlook on how crazy it will get when we do start signing players.I can not wait for the signings to begin and a nice job on the info HydrO.;)

[GT]

Yes I know he is not coming to Houston.....but this was driving me bonkers.Here is what I could find for what its worth. :(


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HM5UNLv-3Mg

[HydrOshocK]

Try Youtube.

ummmm....yeah, tried that. :rolleyes:

[HydrOshocK]

Could have made one great story if he could have had success in Houston......you know struggling young man who strives for a goal and comes full circle.At least the man gave us an outlook on how crazy it will get when we do start signing players.I can not wait for the signings to begin and a nice job on the info HydrO.;)

gracias

[HydrOshocK]

Yes I know he is not coming to Houston.....but this was driving me bonkers.Here is what I could find for what its worth. :(


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HM5UNLv-3Mg

wow good find. guess i should've looked for game highlights and not individual. Man he's got some speed. He was hitting those holes pretty fast. Too bad he decided to stay up north because he could be the real deal.

[SuperstarII]

Yes I know he is not coming to Houston.....but this was driving me bonkers.Here is what I could find for what its worth. :(


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HM5UNLv-3Mg


man can't see the video. I just found out after upgrading my windows to XP 64 adobe hasn't got around to making an adobe flash player for my browser. :(

One of the many drawbacks of a 64 bit system.....

[DallasCrybabies]

He's not gonna be a Texan.


http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=0589b3fe-c0ab-4509-9077-ad15b9839750&k=60360

I think agent had something to do with this, he said "ENORMOUS signing bonus". I think Texans offered 3 times his CFL salary, but agent asked a for a BIG signing bonus.

Most teams won't do that for a street free agent, with the numbers I saw he would have been given probably 100-200K bonus money. Agent got greedy blew deal, so now he comes out with Texans wouldn't guarantee him starting and they drafting a RB in 1st round to make it look like Texans not his money-grubbing self to blame

[HydrOshocK]

I think agent had something to do with this, he said "ENORMOUS signing bonus". I think Texans offered 3 times his CFL salary, but agent asked a for a BIG signing bonus.

Most teams won't do that for a street free agent, with the numbers I saw he would have been given probably 100-200K bonus money. Agent got greedy blew deal, so now he comes out with Texans wouldn't guarantee him starting and they drafting a RB in 1st round to make it look like Texans not his money-grubbing self to blame

WTF? wow man, you sure read a whole bunch in to it. I didn't get anywhere that anyone was being greedy, they simply didn't get an offer that would lure Smith away from the CFL where he has already established himself. It would be a huge risk for him to up and transition to the NFL withouth a better gauarantee. I know I wouldn't just up and leave my job to go work in another country unless it was worth my while. Greed didn't have anything to do with it man, it's just simple business.

Where in that article did it say "ENORMOUS signing bonus" ?? I searched the whole page and didn't find it.

[GT]

I think agent had something to do with this, he said "ENORMOUS signing bonus". I think Texans offered 3 times his CFL salary, but agent asked a for a BIG signing bonus.

Most teams won't do that for a street free agent, with the numbers I saw he would have been given probably 100-200K bonus money. Agent got greedy blew deal, so now he comes out with Texans wouldn't guarantee him starting and they drafting a RB in 1st round to make it look like Texans not his money-grubbing self to blameMan you really should try and quote people and not insert your own words.He was very interested in coming but without a guarantee he decided to take the offer that was in the best interest for his family.

Lewis said Smith had offers from other NFL clubs, including the Philadelphia Eagles, but none contained sizeable signing bonuses that would have tempted him to leave the Lons.

Recently married, Smith instead opted for the security and familiarity of B.C.

His agent had nothing to do with his decision, this was more about a man making a career choice and I can not fault him for this decision.

[El Tejano]

So what about this dude? He couldn't guarantee he was going to do anything and neither could we. He would've been TC fodder anyway.

[DiehardChris]

Hm. I don't know... it's kind of weak to me that a guy who had a chance to:

1. Get a significant raise
2. Sign with his hometown NFL team
3. Prove that he's not just another CFL fluke
4. Take a shot at what is presumably his dream

... and didn't take it. I think that's weak. There is NO RISK for him in signing with an NFL team. If he signs with say Houston or Philly or whomever - he has a chance to compete on the HIGHEST level. He might do well and make a name for himself, not to mention, eventually make a ton of money.

If he signs in the NFL and DOESN'T make it - he's still the best RB in the CFL, and there will be a huge list of teams dying to sign him.

So to me, it doesn't seem like he's a guy who loves, loves, loves football... and that's fine. I just don't understand why he wouldn't take a chance - no NFL team is going to hand a CFL-leading rusher a roster spot. That would be stupid. He has to come in, make the team, and do what all the other guys have to do. Sounds like he'd rather be a big fish in a small pond. Personally, I don't get that mentality but I don't hold it against him. I wish him continued success in the CFL.

[zanth91]

Hm. I don't know... it's kind of weak to me that a guy who had a chance to:

1. Get a significant raise
2. Sign with his hometown NFL team
3. Prove that he's not just another CFL fluke
4. Take a shot at what is presumably his dream

... and didn't take it. I think that's weak. There is NO RISK for him in signing with an NFL team. If he signs with say Houston or Philly or whomever - he has a chance to compete on the HIGHEST level. He might do well and make a name for himself, not to mention, eventually make a ton of money.

If he signs in the NFL and DOESN'T make it - he's still the best RB in the CFL, and there will be a huge list of teams dying to sign him.

So to me, it doesn't seem like he's a guy who loves, loves, loves football... and that's fine. I just don't understand why he wouldn't take a chance - no NFL team is going to hand a CFL-leading rusher a roster spot. That would be stupid. He has to come in, make the team, and do what all the other guys have to do. Sounds like he'd rather be a big fish in a small pond. Personally, I don't get that mentality but I don't hold it against him. I wish him continued success in the CFL.

Going to blog on that?

[GT]

So what about this dude? He couldn't guarantee he was going to do anything and neither could we. He would've been TC fodder anyway.We will never know now will we and the same goes for TC fodder we won't know that either.But what Mr. Smith knows for sure is that he will be playing ball and paying his bills by doing something he likes to do.No need to belittle the man.

[DiehardChris]

Going to blog on that?

LOL, as soon as I clicked 'submit' I thought, man I should have just blogged that on my site. Oh well. SEE HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU PEOPLE!?! heh.

[HydrOshocK]

We will never know now will we and the same goes for TC fodder we won't know that either.But what Mr. Smith knows for sure is that he will be playing ball and paying his bills by doing something he likes to do.No need to belittle the man.

heh, no kidding. It's funny, nobody here knew anything about the guy prior to this thread yet there's sooo much speculation now about what he wanted and why he didn't take the deal. :rolleyes:

[headsplint]

heh, no kidding. It's funny, nobody here knew anything about the guy prior to this thread yet there's sooo much speculation now about what he wanted and why he didn't take the deal. :rolleyes:

I heard he didn't take the deal because when he originally came here he did so under the impression David Carr was still our QB. :cool:

[GT]

heh, no kidding. It's funny, nobody here knew anything about the guy prior to this thread yet there's sooo much speculation now about what he wanted and why he didn't take the deal. :rolleyes:If people would have really read the articles on the man they would understand his view.This man worked his tail off to play ball and without a guarantee no one should blame him for taking the sure deal.

[HydrOshocK]

I heard he didn't take the deal because when he originally came here he did so under the impression David Carr was still our QB. :cool:

LMAO!! :D

[HydrOshocK]

If people would have really read the articles on the man they would understand his view.This man worked his tail off to play ball and without a guarantee no one should blame him for taking the sure deal.

That's the way I took it. His CFL team really wanted him back but they don't stand in the way of their stars when it comes to testing the waters in the NFL. Smith was offered a deal worth approx 3 times his normal salary in the CFL but turned it down because there are too many uncertainties involved. It sounds like the guy just wants stability in a place he is familiar with and knows he'll be the focal point of their offense. I can't fault the guy for chosing to stay put for now. If I'm not mistaken I believe I read CFL players are free to test the NFL market after every season (feel free to correct me if I'm wrong).

[DiehardChris]

heh, no kidding. It's funny, nobody here knew anything about the guy prior to this thread yet there's sooo much speculation now about what he wanted and why he didn't take the deal. :rolleyes:

Hey, you've got your opinion, I've got mine. Personally, I would think he would want to compete in the highest level of the sport - especially when he'd be getting paid more, and would be coming to a good team that is clearly on its way up... that and like I said, I'll never understand the big fish in a small pond mentality.

Of course I don't know anything about him, but a huge percentage of the discussion on this board centers around speculation. So you know... I speculated. A lot. ;)

[wildroot]

Was he looking for a guarantee money wise or being guaranteed playing time? Down here the best 53 are guaranteed a roster spot until they get beat out. I saw where someone said he wanted to be guaranteed a starting job. Surely he realizes that the teams in the NFL start the best at each position? Maybe they do things differently in Canada?

[GT]

Was he looking for a guarantee money wise or being guaranteed playing time? Down here the best 53 are guaranteed a roster spot until they get beat out. I saw where someone said he wanted to be guaranteed a starting job. Surely he realizes that the teams in the NFL start the best at each position? Maybe they do things differently in Canada?It wasn't about being the starter but more about a guaranteed contract(not being cut).In the CFL he has a guaranteed contract and will play.It would be a hard decision for anyone to make but even harder for someone that is already earning a check for playing.I believe he just did not want to take the gamble and the following qoute pretty much says the same.

Recently married, Smith instead opted for the security and familiarity of B.C. His three-year deal is believed to be in the salary range of $120,000 to $140,000 per season.