Clifton Smith, Syracuse linebacker from 1999-2002, looks to add an Arena Bowl Championship to his resume.
From Dome to Dome, Smith Spotlighted in Arena Bowl XXII
7/17/2008 10:59:51 AM | Football
SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Former Syracuse Orange and present Philadelphia Soul RB/LB Clifton Smith will partake in the Arena Football League’s Virgin Mobile Arena Bowl XXII on Sunday, July 27 at 3:00 p.m. in New Orleans. The Soul (15-3) will collide with the San Jose Sabercats (13-5) at the New Orleans Arena to a nationwide ESPN on ABC HD audience in the championship showdown.
In addition to preparing for the Arena Football League’s (AFL) season finale, Smith was named as the AFL’s Ironman of the Week for Week 15 of the regular season.
“It is an honor to be thought of that way,” Smith said. "It feels good that all of my hard work paid off but I could not have done that without my teammates."
In Smith’s 2008 rookie campaign, the SU All-BIGEAST selection from 2000-2002 has smothered 45 ball carriers along with one sack and interception at the linebacker position, but also has came across a knack for finding paydirt. Smith has touched the ball 50 times, racking up 133 total yards on the ground in conjunction with 10 rushing touchdowns for the Soul.
“To be successful coming right into the AFL and Philadelphia has been great. This is a great organization from the top down. From the ownership and front office to the coaching staff and players, this is first class,” Smith offered while reflecting on his successful rookie season and making a splash in the 2008 playoffs.
“It has been a great year, not only from all of the players individually, but first and foremost a team aspect. My first year in Philadelphia has been what I expected and more”.
Smith, the Orange’s leading tackler in 2000 (108) and 2002 (137), was signed by the NFL’s Washington Redskins in 2004 and later became a member of the Cleveland Browns for the 2005 and 2006 seasons. The All-Ironman Team member’s final endeavor before joining the Soul came with the Cologne Centurians of NFL Europe in 2007 where he pulled down a league-high three interceptions.
The Soul overcame the Sabercats, 58-57, when the two clubs met during the regular season.
In addition to preparing for the Arena Football League’s (AFL) season finale, Smith was named as the AFL’s Ironman of the Week for Week 15 of the regular season.
“It is an honor to be thought of that way,” Smith said. "It feels good that all of my hard work paid off but I could not have done that without my teammates."
In Smith’s 2008 rookie campaign, the SU All-BIGEAST selection from 2000-2002 has smothered 45 ball carriers along with one sack and interception at the linebacker position, but also has came across a knack for finding paydirt. Smith has touched the ball 50 times, racking up 133 total yards on the ground in conjunction with 10 rushing touchdowns for the Soul.
“To be successful coming right into the AFL and Philadelphia has been great. This is a great organization from the top down. From the ownership and front office to the coaching staff and players, this is first class,” Smith offered while reflecting on his successful rookie season and making a splash in the 2008 playoffs.
“It has been a great year, not only from all of the players individually, but first and foremost a team aspect. My first year in Philadelphia has been what I expected and more”.
Smith, the Orange’s leading tackler in 2000 (108) and 2002 (137), was signed by the NFL’s Washington Redskins in 2004 and later became a member of the Cleveland Browns for the 2005 and 2006 seasons. The All-Ironman Team member’s final endeavor before joining the Soul came with the Cologne Centurians of NFL Europe in 2007 where he pulled down a league-high three interceptions.
The Soul overcame the Sabercats, 58-57, when the two clubs met during the regular season.
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