Former Trojan could play role.

PositionSUPER BOWL

Byline: Jennifer Toland

COLUMN: SUPER BOWL NOTES

GLENDALE, Ariz. - If Plaxico Burress is limited or can't go today, it could mean a bigger role for rookie wide receiver Steve Smith.

Smith, a second-round pick out of Southern California, had four catches for 26 yards in the Giants' first two games of the year as their third receiver before a fractured scapula, then a hamstring injury kept him out of action for 11 straight games.

Smith returned to action Dec. 16 against the Redskins and has been a reliable target for Manning during the playoffs. He has nine catches for 102 yards and had two key receptions during a scoring drive against Dallas in the NFC divisional round.

"He has been great for us," Burress said. "We knew coming in after watching him during training camp that Steve could be a special player for us. Steve has some of the best ball skills I've seen in a long time. He can track the football and is able to make great plays. He runs great routes and has no problem getting open. I think if he keeps making progress each day and learning from guys like (Amani) Toomer and myself, then he can go out and be a great receiver."

Burress, the Giants' leading receiver in the regular season and the playoffs, is questionable for today's game with ankle and knee injuries.

Spartan efforts

Former Oakmont Regional star quarterback Shawn Halloran spent three years with Giants coach Tom Coughlin at Boston College. Coughlin was Halloran's position coach his first two years with the Eagles. When Coughlin returned to become BC's head coach, Halloran was a graduate assistant on his staff.

"From watching film, to practice to preparation to everything, he paid great attention to detail," said Halloran, an assistant coach at Yale, from his New Haven office last week. "He was as thorough as anyone I've ever been around."

Coughlin was 21-13-1 in three seasons at BC and turned a struggling program into a top-20 team. His final season with the Eagles, 1993, was highlighted by a 41-39 upset win over Notre Dame.

"The thing he instilled on a daily basis was if you want something," Halloran said, "it's going to cost something - hard work, time, commitment, sacrifice - but in the end, you will be rewarded."

Right choice

The Chargers discarded safety Rodney Harrison after the 2002 season, and he said this week that coming to New England was one of the best decisions he ever made.

"I had a choice and an opportunity to sign with the Denver Broncos or the Oakland...

To continue reading

Request your trial

VLEX uses login cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. If you click on 'Accept' or continue browsing this site we consider that you accept our cookie policy. ACCEPT