Tuesday, January 03, 2012

Soul gets Clifton Smith back


PHILADELPHIA  – The Philadelphia Soul have announced the assignment of fullback/linebacker Clifton Smith for the 2012 season.  Smith is reunited with former teammate Larry Brackins as both players were part of the ArenaBowl XXII Championship team.

“Clifton was part of something special here in 2008 and he knows something great is going to happen again this season,” said Soul head coach Doug Plank.  “He is a seasoned veteran and his experience of being a part of a championship team will be a positive influence in our locker room.  He demonstrates what it takes to reach our ultimate goal – winning the title in New Orleans.”

Smith was last seen in the AFL playing for the Chicago Rush (2010).  In five games with the Rush, he had seven carries and five touchdowns.  On the defensive side, he added 18.0 solo tackles, 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.  During his rookie AFL season in 2008, Smith played in 18 games tallying 45.0 total tackles, one interception and a sack, while also adding 10 rushing touchdowns.  In Week 15, he was named Ironman of the Week, and later was named to the 2008 All-Ironman Team.

 Prior to joining the AFL, Smith played for the Cologne Centurions (2007) and the lead the league with three interceptions.  Smith also was a member of the Cleveland Browns (2005-06) and before that was a member of the Washington Redskins (2003-05). 

The former Orangemen saw plenty of action in his four years at Syracuse (1999-2002).  As a true freshman he started eight games earning him First Team Freshman All-American.  He was the team’s leading tackler in 2000 (108.0) and again in 2002 (137.0).  Smith was an All-Big East selection his sophomore season through his senior season (2000-02).  As a junior he played in the Insight.com Bowl and was named Defensive MVP.  Smith left Syracuse ranking No. 5 in total tackles (405), and No. 3 in for tackles for loss (36).

No comments: