Michael82
07-11-2003, 12:00 PM
The nickname that Minnesota Vikings rookie tailback Onterrio Smith pinned on himself during a springtime mini-camp was "SOD." Short for "Steal of the Draft," according to the hardly-bashful fourth-round draft choice, and a description he felt was most befitting.
In the wake of the foot problems that might well sideline incumbent starter Michael Bennett for the entire 2003 season, Minnesota officials are privately counting on Smith to be right-on with his self-styled handle. In fact, they are counting on Smith to steal his way right into a starting job.
All the spin emanating from the Vikings this week, about how third-year veteran tailback Doug Chapman is ready to move into the lineup, now that Bennett is laid up? Hey, forget about it, since much of it is little more than empty rhetoric. Team sources told ESPN.com this week that, while some coaches and club officials are publicly touting Chapman and veteran Moe Williams, the tailback they fully expect to be the Vikings' top ball carrier in 2003 is actually Smith.
CLICK FOR MORE.... (http://espn.go.com/nfl/columns/pasquarelli_len/1579317.html)
In the wake of the foot problems that might well sideline incumbent starter Michael Bennett for the entire 2003 season, Minnesota officials are privately counting on Smith to be right-on with his self-styled handle. In fact, they are counting on Smith to steal his way right into a starting job.
All the spin emanating from the Vikings this week, about how third-year veteran tailback Doug Chapman is ready to move into the lineup, now that Bennett is laid up? Hey, forget about it, since much of it is little more than empty rhetoric. Team sources told ESPN.com this week that, while some coaches and club officials are publicly touting Chapman and veteran Moe Williams, the tailback they fully expect to be the Vikings' top ball carrier in 2003 is actually Smith.
CLICK FOR MORE.... (http://espn.go.com/nfl/columns/pasquarelli_len/1579317.html)