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Storm sign Smith, prepare for War on I-4

May 1, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Tampa Bay Storm News Release


TAMPA, FL -- The Tampa Bay Storm signed former Tampa Bay Buccaneers draft pick Shevin Smith from the practice squad and placed WR/DB Carlos James on injured reserve in preparation for Sunday's pivotal contest against the Orlando Predators.

The Storm (5-7) and Predators (6-5) face off at 3:00 pm inside the TD Waterhouse Centre in Orlando. The game will be aired live on NBC Sports and can also be heard in the Tampa Bay area on 620-AM WDAE.

Smith replaces James on the roster and will make his AFL debut on Sunday. James injured his ankle during practice on Friday.

Smith was originally drafted in the sixth round of the 1998 NFL Draft by the Buccaneers. He saw limited action for the Bucs in 1998 before playing in 16 games in 1999. Smith joined the St. Louis Rams in 2000.

A former safety at Florida State, Smith spent the 2004 AFL training camp with the Dallas Desperados. He was signed to the Storm's practice squad on February 28.

Tampa Bay's game against Orlando has major playoff ramifications for both teams. The Storm likely need to win out in order to extend their league-record streak of 13 consecutive playoff appearances. The Storm have won their past two games, marking Tampa Bay's first two-game winning streak of the season.

Orlando is also a team on a roll as of late. The Predators have won three straight games and are looking to strengthen their playoff resume. The league's top eight teams will advance to the postseason. Currently, Orlando is tied for the final playoff spot.

Orlando and Tampa Bay boast the league's top two defenses. Orlando leads the AFL in total defense, allowing 238.3 yards per game. The Predators feature the league's career interceptions leader in defensive specialist Kenny McEntyre. McEntyre moved into the top spot with a pair of interceptions last weekend against Dallas.

The Storm are second in the AFL in total defense, allowing 242.8 yards per game.

The X-factor in the contest could be Tampa Bay WR/DB TT Toliver. Toliver, an Ironman of the Year candidate, averaged over 200 all-purpose yards per game in the month of April. Not only is he a force on the offensive side of the ball, but he has also returned three kickoffs for touchdowns in the past two weeks.

The Storm should also get a boost with the return of FB/LB David White and OL/DL Darion Conner to the lineup. White, the Storm's leading rusher, missed last week's game with shoulder and hamstring injuries. Conner has not played since April 4 because of illness.

Following the Storm's game at Orlando, Tampa Bay returns home to face the Los Angeles Avengers on Sunday, May 9, at 3:00 pm in the St. Pete Times Forum. Tickets for the game are still available at the St. Pete Times Forum Box Office and at all TicketMaster locations. Tickets can also be purchased by calling (813) 301-6600 or online at www.tampabaystorm.com.



Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from May 1, 2004


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