Former QB Brad Smith thriving as Jets' do-it-all

Brad Smith is listed on the New York Jets' roster as a wide receiver only because jack-of-all-trades doesn't exist as a position.

The former record-breaking Missouri quarterback has been lining up all over the field for the Jets and making an impact in his fourth season.

``That man, he does it all,'' special teams ace James Ihedigbo said Friday. ``Brad Smith is Mr. Versatility.''

Smith is a wide receiver, running back, quarterback, special-teams blocker and tackler, and now an elusive kick returner. He ran back the kickoff a team-record 106 yards to open the second half last Sunday in New York's 29-15 win at Indianapolis, earning him AFC special teams player of the week honors.

``It's pretty cool,'' said Smith, who's a quiet and humble a guy in a Jets locker room filled with players who love to talk.

``He's confident in himself, but there's absolutely no ego there,'' kicker Jay Feely said. ``He's the ultimate and consummate team player, and anything he can do to help the team win, he wants to do. Here's a guy that was a star quarterback and he's willing to cover kicks. That says it all right there.''

With punter Steve Weatherford nursing a tweaked hamstring, coach Rex Ryan was asked if Smith could also do that.

``Brad probably could,'' Ryan said, laughing. ``We'll ask him. Maybe that's our best bet.''

While at Missouri, Smith became the first player in NCAA history to pass for at least 8,000 yards and run for 4,000. And the record book only starts with those accomplishments.

Still, Smith didn't project as an NFL quarterback. The Jets drafted him in the fourth round in 2006 anyway, thinking he was too good an athlete to pass up.

In the win at Tampa Bay on Dec. 13, Smith became just the fifth player since 1990 to record a rush attempt, reception, pass completion, punt return and kickoff return in the same game. He also returned a blocked punt for a touchdown against New England on Nov. 22.

``Here's the thing I think you have to keep in mind with Brad Smith: just tell me any time when he has the ball in his hands that he's not a weapon,'' special teams coordinator Mike Westhoff said. ``I just don't see it.''

Smith is far from a star, but can change a game from anywhere on the field. They might need that type of playmaking presence again this weekend in a must-win game against Cincinnati - and beyond, if they make the playoffs.

``He's tough to tackle,'' Ihedigbo said. ``I haven't seen a guy tackle him one on one yet this season. He's just that type of athlete.''

Smith has seven catches for 63 yards, 14 carries for 115 yards, a 27-yard completion on a fake punt, nine kickoff returns for a 32.2-yard average, one punt return for 21 yards and 19 special-teams tackles. He's also the quarterback whenever the Jets go to their TigerCat formation.

``I had to be patient, and I'm still having to,'' Smith said. ``I have to understand that there's a lot that goes into helping a team win a game.''

Such as the big play against the Colts, which gave the Jets a brief 10-9 lead and got New York believing it could pull off the victory over previously undefeated Indianapolis.

``I think it was crucial because it gave us momentum,'' Feely said. ``Obviously, we had to win that game and who knows if we win that game if we don't get that return.''

It also marked the longest play in Jets history, topping the 104-yard missed field goal return by Aaron Glenn in 1998. It also was 3 yards better than Justin Miller's 103-yard kickoff return in 2006.

Westhoff has been pleased with Smith's return abilities, and thinks he finally has a replacement for the injured Leon Washington. At least for now.

``Everybody knows how good Leon is,'' Smith said, ``so when he comes back, I'll just try to help him do what he does.''

Smith's teammates are calling him ``106 & Brad'' - a play on BET's video show, ``106 & Park'' - or just ``106.'' When friends ask him what he does, Smith says he's a wide receiver, without going into the details.

``My heart says I just want to make plays, pretty much,'' Smith said. ``I'll leave it at that.''

Smith has moved on from the idea of playing quarterback in the NFL, where he's just 2 for 4 for 45 yards. But he tries to use his experience to help him in his newer roles.

``It's not like you just throw everything away,'' Smith said. ``You remember it and understand it and try to learn as much as you can. You go with the situation you're given and make the most of the opportunity. That's the situation I'm in. I do whatever they ask me to do.''