Q & A with Clifton Smith

Former Bulldog Clifton Smith went from undrafted rookie free agent with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to return specialist for the NFC in this year’s Pro Bowl in Honolulu, Hawaii. Clifton took time out from his busy schedule to talk to valleysportspulse.com president George Takata about his rookie season, what it means to be a Bulldog, and the baseball career that never was.

VALLEYSPORTSPULSE.COM: Describe in one word what this past season has meant to you.
CLIFTON SMITH: Blessed.

VSP: What was your “welcome to the NFL” moment?
CS: Laying on my back in Texas Stadium knowing I got laid out by the punter (Sam Paulescu)

VSP: How long did you hear about that one from your teammates?
CS: It hasn’t stopped yet!

VSP: First touchdown against the Chiefs: describe the feeling you had right before you scored.
CS: Man, I can’t let this dude run me down! And I’d better not fumble!

VSP: Did you know your former Fresno State teammate Adam Jennings was chasing you on your punt return for a touchdown against the Lions?
CS: Yeah. I knew he’d try to get me. Adam and I had fun talking smack back and forth to each other. And I scored, so I talked a little more then he did.

VSP: The Bucs released Warrick Dunn. Does that mean you’ll get more chances on offense in 2009?
CS: I don’t know what that means. I just have to keep working hard. He was a great role model and I’m going to miss him.

VSP: What was the Pro Bowl like?
CS: Incredible. A humbling experience. So many great players and I’m already there? I’m just scratching the surface of my career. I’ll never forget that week.

VSP: Describe your new head coach in Tampa, Raheem Morris.
CS: New energy. Everybody loves him. Can’t wait to play for him.

VSP: How did Fresno State prepare you for the NFL?
CS: Learning how to be a special teams player, which is what got me to the Pro Bowl. The best thing was coach Hill’s “anyone, anywhere, anytime” mentality. I loved that.

VSP: You were a great baseball player at Edison, and you got to play in the Fresno State baseball team’s alumni game this year (five stolen bases and scored both alumni runs). Did you ever give serious thought to playing baseball professionally?
CS: I definitely did. I said I wanted to play two sports in college, but I didn’t get the opportunity. Everything happens for a reason. The alumni game was a blast, though.

VSP: Will you always be Batman?
CS: That will never change. As long as Gotham needs me, I will always protect my city!

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