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Bears eyeing CFL running back?


flea

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http://blogs.suntimes.com/bears/2008/01/be...nning_back.html

 

Bears eyeing CFL running back?

Could the Bears be looking to the North for the first person to provide competition general manager Jerry Angelo has promised for running back Cedric Benson?

 

The Metro News of Toronto reports that the Bears and New York Jets have offered contracts to running back Joe Smith, of the British Columbia Lions of the CFL. Smith set a Lions’ franchise record with 1,510 yards this past season, scoring 18 touchdowns. In two seasons with BC, he’s totaled 2,397 yards with 27 scores and a 5.4-yard per carry average.

 

 

Smith originally was an undrafted free agent from Louisiana Tech who hooked up with Jacksonville. The 27-year-old has also spent time with Tampa Bay and Tennessee before finding a niche in the CFL. Smith, 6-1, 224 pounds also played in NFL Europe for the Rhein Fire.

 

Angelo said in his end-of-season press conference Thursday that he still believed Benson could be a feature back, but that competition was in the works for the former No. 4 overall pick. One would think that would mean more than Smith, but the Bears have always been diligent in scouting all ranks. Two-time Pro Bowl special teams performer Brendon Ayanbadejo played in the CFL. Wide receiver Rashied Davis was originally an Arena League standout.

 

 

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http://blogs.suntimes.com/bears/2008/01/be...nning_back.html

 

Bears eyeing CFL running back?

Could the Bears be looking to the North for the first person to provide competition general manager Jerry Angelo has promised for running back Cedric Benson?

 

The Metro News of Toronto reports that the Bears and New York Jets have offered contracts to running back Joe Smith, of the British Columbia Lions of the CFL. Smith set a Lions’ franchise record with 1,510 yards this past season, scoring 18 touchdowns. In two seasons with BC, he’s totaled 2,397 yards with 27 scores and a 5.4-yard per carry average.

Smith originally was an undrafted free agent from Louisiana Tech who hooked up with Jacksonville. The 27-year-old has also spent time with Tampa Bay and Tennessee before finding a niche in the CFL. Smith, 6-1, 224 pounds also played in NFL Europe for the Rhein Fire.

 

Angelo said in his end-of-season press conference Thursday that he still believed Benson could be a feature back, but that competition was in the works for the former No. 4 overall pick. One would think that would mean more than Smith, but the Bears have always been diligent in scouting all ranks. Two-time Pro Bowl special teams performer Brendon Ayanbadejo played in the CFL. Wide receiver Rashied Davis was originally an Arena League standout.

img.49263_t.jpg

 

He'll be just another guy for the 80 man training camp roster. MAYBE he'd make the team as a special teams player. It's good to hear we're scouring all possible options to improve this team.

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he's actually not a bad RB(though admittedly I've only seen him play against CFL D's)

 

flea, you said you have seen him play. Is he a speed back, power back, or does he have a good combo of speed & power? Is he a good receiver out of the backfield? Good blocker? Any type of scouting report you can give would be appreciated. Thanks!!

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I've not seen him that much Pix but from what i recall of him he's a bit of both Pix he can run over you but also has a bit of elusiveness & can make guys miss. Good receiver out of the backfield but ya need to be in Canada with the 3 down game. Caught 51 passes in 06.

 

When he played in europe he led the league in rushing with 1000+ yards in a 10 game season & IIRC he missed 1 1/2 games

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