Sabercats' Smith Named to 2004 AFL First Team; Grieb Named to Second Team
Published on June 2, 2004 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
San Jose SaberCats News Release
San Jose- Omarr Smith, the consummate defensive specialist, was named to the all-Arena Football League first team Wednesday and quarterback Mark Grieb was a second team selection for the SaberCats.
Smith was a second-team selection last season with the Tampa Bay Storm, a team he helped to the 2003 ArenaBowl championship. He was second in balloting to San Jose's Clevan Thomas for the league's Defensive Player of the Year in 2003. "It's great to be recognized for your accomplishments," said the 5-foot-9 Smith. "It definitely has taken a lot of hard work and concentration, especially this year with Clevan out with the injury." Smith would have teamed with Thomas, but the two-time AFL Defensive Player of the Year, was injured in the fourth game of the season and has not returned to the lineup. The two were together for the 2002 ArenaBowl championship, with Smith collecting the game's MVP award. "There has been more pressure with the absence of Clevan," said Smith, who tied Kenny McEntyre for the league leadership in interceptions with nine. "The toughest thing was to fill the void; I'm a different type of player but when you believe in what you can do, things move quickly and accomplishments are made."
Smith had 14 pass break ups this season, only four less than his career high last year with the Storm. "He's the best pure football player I have ever had in 33 years of coaching," said defensive coordinator Michael Church, who also coached Smith at San Jose State. "He was one of the most valuable pieces of the puzzle and when Clevan went down, he proved to be even more valuable."
With the Tampa Bay title last season, Smith became only the third player in league history to win consecutive championships with two different teams. This season, with San Jose being the No. 2 seed, the SaberCats have another opportunity to garner another title but must first get past, ironically, Tampa Bay.
Grieb, who set league records in passing percentage (73.0) and pass rating (133.5) was named to the second team. He was all-Arena first team and the AFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2002. In his seventh season, Grieb threw 75 touchdowns and collected 4,111 yards. His 348 career touchdowns ranks him 8th all-time in the league.
The SaberCats are in action on Saturday, June 5, when they meet Tampa Bay in an AFL quarterfinal contest. The game will be nationally televised by NBC beginning at 11:45 a.m. (PT). Tickets are available by contacting any Northern California TicketMaster outlet, online at www.ticketmaster.com and at the HP Pavilion box office. Group tickets can be purchased through the SaberCats office by contacting (408) 573-5577.
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from June 2, 2004
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