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Get Smart Ex-XFL star 'He Hate Me' making impression on EaglesPosted: Wednesday May 22, 2002 2:10 AMPHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Rod Smart thinks he can be the running back to replace Correll Buckhalter. Smart, best known for wearing the "He Hate Me" slogan on the back of his jersey in the defunct XFL, has an opportunity to show the Philadelphia Eagles that he can be more than a special teams player. After signing with the Eagles last November, Smart played in six games, mostly on punt and kickoff coverage teams. He got two carries in the last game of the regular season before injuring his left foot and missing the playoffs. With Buckhalter out for the season after injuring his knee on the first day of the first minicamp last month, the Eagles have been looking for a running back to share carries with Duce Staley. The team worked out former Packers Pro Bowler Dorsey Levens last month, but didn't make him an offer. Coach Andy Reid mentioned former No. 1 overall pick Ki-Jana Carter, but he wasn't brought in for a visit. Smart thinks the Eagles should stop their search. "I feel I'm a great player. No, I'll be great one day," Smart said after the team opened its second minicamp Tuesday. "I work hard. I have no doubts I can play anywhere." The 5-foot-11, 191-pound Smart proved he can play in the XFL, where he finished second in rushing. He gained 555 yards on 146 carries and scored three touchdowns for the Las Vegas Outlaws. He also led the team in receptions with 27 for 245 yards. But he was known less for his running than for "He Hate Me," which he proudly displayed on his back instead of his given name in a league that encouraged players to plaster anything they wanted on their jerseys. Though he's been with the Eagles for several months, Smart still hears jokes about it from his teammates. "That's never going to stop," Smart said. "It's OK. That's me." The Eagles got within 52 yards of advancing to the Super Bowl last year before losing 29-24 to St. Louis in the NFC championship game. Buckhalter, who broke the team's rookie rushing record with 586 yards in 15 games, was expected to play a bigger role in the offense. His injury leaves a huge void, but Reid is confident the team can overcome the loss. Smart, who still hasn't fully recovered from his foot injury, and third-round pick Brian Westbrook will get a lot of carries in the non-contact practices this week. "We saw some potential last year when we activated him and gave him an opportunity," Reid said of Smart. "He ended up getting hurt in the game at Tampa Bay and we didn't get to see quite as much of him as we wanted to. We look forward to seeing what he can do." |
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