Omarr Smith: Lord of the Rings

Published on June 21, 2003 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release

Tampa Bay defensive specialist OMARR SMITH is on the verge of accomplishing something that has not been done in the Arena Football League since 1992.

With a Storm victory over Arizona in ArenaBowl XVII on Sunday, Smith would join three other former AFLers as back-to-back champions with different teams and would be the first to defeat the same team in consecutive seasons.

Smith would join Lynn Bradford (1990 Detroit Drive, 1991, Tampa Bay Storm), Robert Smith (1991 Tampa Bay Storm, 1992 Detroit Drive) and Steve Trimble (1987 Denver Dynamite, 1988 Detroit Drive) as champions in consecutive seasons with two different teams.

"It would be something special because only a few guys have done it before," said Smith.

A wide receiver/defensive back with San Jose, Smith was named Ironman of ArenaBowl XVI when the SaberCats defeated Arizona 52-14 on August 18, 2002.

The former San Jose State University star hooked up with the hometown SaberCats for the 2000 season and played in relative obscurity behind the legendary Barry Wagner the last three seasons.

"‘Wags' is a great player. Playing behind him I had to wait my turn," said Smith. "Coming here I knew if I was going to be the type of person I want to be in this league I would have to show I could do stuff on my own.

After completing his third season with the champion SaberCats, Smith bolted cross-country.

"I wanted to stay in San Jose but things just didn't work out the way I wanted them to," he said of his decision to leave the West Coast. "So I had to take my services elsewhere and Tampa Bay was looking for some help.

"Coming in here, I knew I was going to have to show my stuff. In San Jose I had my role established.

Smith showed he had the right stuff at the defensive specialist position by finishing as runner-up for the League's ADT Defensive Player of the Year award – leading the team in interceptions and pass breakups while playing all 16 games in his first season.

"If they wanted me to play two-way I would have done it," noted Smith. "I played two-way the last three years in San Jose and I was used to that.

But the Storm needed help defensively and could afford to sacrifice Smith's offensive talents.

"During camp I worked at two way but they needed some help in the middle," noted Smith of his transition from Ironman football. "Once I started in the middle it was pretty much said and done. Playing D-specialist day in and day out, there is a lot of responsibility that comes with that position. It has worked out for the best.

The 5-foot-8 Smith has played large in the Storm defensive secondary and is looking forward to making history. "Last year was special because it was the very first one (title)," he said. "If we win this one, I know I earned it playing the whole year.

Not only is Smith playing specialist this season, he is also playing every down, something that didn't happen in San Jose.

"I'm playing D-specialist and I'm starting this year so it's all on me for the most part. In San Jose I was a role player. I played a significant role and made some things happen, but it wasn't really on me.

One thing that hasn't changed since last year is the ArenaBowl opponent. With All-AFL quarterback SHERDRICK BONNER and Ironman of the Year RANDY GATEWOOD, the Rattlers are explosive as ever.

Smith would like to see a similar outcome to this year's game as last year's result, but the Rattlers core of veteran leaders plan to not let that happen.

When asked about how the season has worked out Smith said, "It's worked out, this is how I planned it so far". Those plans will change should Tampa Bay hoist the trophy on Sunday.

Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from June 21, 2003

• Omarr Smith: Lord of the Rings - AFL I
• ArenaBowl XVII Sold Out - AFL I
• Bonner Searches for Third Title - AFL I
• ArenaBowl XVII - The Buzz - AFL I
• It's Tolliver's Turn - AFL I
• AFL Launches Auction Site - AFL I

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