The New York Jets made an intriguing addition to their 53-man roster on Saturday when they terminated the contract of veteran wide receiver Jason Hill and promoted tight end Hayden Smith from the practice squad. As Rich Cimini of ESPN New York notes, the 27-year-old Smith played rugby professionally in England before deciding to give American football a try during the offseason. The 6-foot-7, 240-pound Smith worked with former University of Minnesota coach Tim Brewster before officially signing with the Jets on April 9. Brewster coached tight ends at the North Carolina and Texas, as well as with the Denver Broncos and San Diego Chargers at the NFL level, coaching former Kent State basketball star Antonio Gates when he entered the NFL in 2003. “A lot of coaches shy away from guys who haven’t played the game because it is an exhausting process. To me, that’s the exciting part ,” Brewster told the Daily Telegraph in April. “Taking a piece of clay like that. And I am going to tell you, Hayden Smith is one beautiful piece of clay. Just mold him into what you want him to be.”
Go here to see the original:
Jets sign former rugby player Hayden Smith to active roster (Shutdown Corner)
Post a Comment