Smith (6-2, 235, Central State University (Ohio)) is a rookie by ArenaFootball League standards, but the 27-year old is no stranger to the indoorgame. He spent a portion of the 1997 season with the Orlando Predators (didnot see any game action) and played with the Indoor Professional FootballLeague's Portland Prowlers in 2000. Smith began his collegiate career atNortheast Oklahoma A&M (1992-93) before transferring to East Carolina (1994)and finishing up at Central State University of Ohio (1995).
Smith attendedmini-camp with the New Orleans Saints in 1998, played with the CanadianFootball League's Calgary Stampeders in 1999 and went to camp with the GreenBay Packers in 2000. Smith signed with af2's Tennessee Valley Vipers (thencoached by Cobras defensive coordinator Bret Munsey) last year, but wastraded to the Greensboro Prowlers prior to the start of the season.
Freeman (6-0, 245, Appalachian State) comes to the Cobras after a stellarfour-year career at Appalachian State (1997-2000), where he finished secondon the team in sacks (8.0) and tackles for loss (15) as a senior in 2000. AShelby, N.C. native (Crest High School), Freeman spent the 2001 season as agraduate assistant coach for the Mountaineers.
Smith and Freeman will join two-year veteran Marrio Grier and rookiesAnthony Connally and Michael Blair as the five fullback/linebackers on theCobras training camp roster.
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