Onterrio Smith was clocked at 4.4 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the Moshofsky Center yesterday in preparation for the NFL Draft.
That’s really no surprise. When at Oregon, Smith was a major catalyst for the offense for the past two years. His speed is no surprise, nor is his strength.
He reportedly gained 15 pounds since the end of the college season, which is only going to make him tougher. In fact, it should ensure that he will be able to bowl over at least one defensive back next season, probably in the same fashion that enabled him to cross the goal line two years ago in Pullman, Wash.
But let’s hope concerns over his injury last season don’t drop him to the second round. National speculation, at least in USA Today’s Sports Weekly, has him being picked behind Virginia Tech’s Lee Suggs and Penn State’s Larry Johnson.
He is first-round material and could be an intriguing late-round pick.
Speaking of the draft: It looks like USC’s Carson Palmer could be the top choice, and, if not, the first quarterback chosen. Don’t count out Kyle Boller from California, though.
Boller did more with less than Palmer last season. You could attribute that to new head coach Jeff Tedford, but Boller is pretty physically gifted too.
Don’t be surprised if Boller is the steal of the draft, even if he is taken in the top-10.
Speaking of Tedford: He’s NFL material all the way. Even the next Steve Mariucci.
Then there’s the NBA Draft: Still no word on what Luke Ridnour plans to do. But if he chooses to go pro, NBAdraft.net thinks he’s got a future in the Bay Area.
The online mock draft has Ridnour going to Golden State with the 12th overall pick.
Ironically (or not), the same site has Luke Jackson going to the Warriors with the 43rd overall pick the next year.
Bring on Luke-2-Luke, part two.
In the spirit of Adam Jude, an idea for the Pit Crew: You all loved Steve Lavin so much last year. But sorry, he’s not coming back.
Hey, do the next best thing. Shine up those new Nikes you all earned (ummm…), head on over to the store, and buy as much hair gel as you can. Then, wrap it up as a big present and give it to new UCLA head coach Ben Howland.
Guaranteed smile.
Qyntel, Qyntel, Qyntel (Woods): You’re now officially a member of the Portland Jail Blazers, er, Trail Blazers. Guess he didn’t really learn much from Rasheed Wallace and Damon Stoudamire.
From the hardcourt to the diamond: Hate to say it, but I don’t see Portland getting a major league team. The Expos are probably destined for Washington D.C. or some part of Virginia.
Of course, that’s going to make Peter Angelos mad. What a surprise.
Then, of course, there’s opening day: The Royals won, Randy Johnson got shelled, and Tampa Bay actually showed some life.
What in the name of David Wells is going on here?
Wells, part two: I’d put my money down that he’s related to Pete Rose.
I mean, who else lies, then back tracks, then makes it seem as though there’s really no problem with what he did? All Wells did was lie about drinking the night before a perfect game. Rose lied about betting on baseball.
Somebody get a blood test done.
Just a thought: Marquette takes down Kansas, then gets blasted by Syracuse in the NCAA
Championship.
But I wouldn’t put money on it. After all, my bracket finished last.
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