DOLPHINS SIGN CLIFTON SMITH, WAIVE JOE REITZ

The Miami Dolphins have signed running back Clifton Smith it was announced today. Smith enters his third NFL season, having spent the previous two years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2008-09). The Dolphins also waived offensive lineman Joe Reitz.

The 5-9, 190 pound Smith has played in 20 games in his career. As a rookie in 2008, Smith became the first Buccaneers kick returner ever selected to the Pro Bowl and just the second rookie in team history to make the annual all-star game, joining RB Warrick Dunn in 1997. Smith also Earned All-NFC honors at punt returner by PFW/ PFWA and was a second-team AP All-Pro selection as a kick returner in 2008 where he led the team with 36 kickoff returns for 992 yards, good for a 27.6 yard average.  He also became the first player in franchise history with a kickoff return (97 yards at Kansas City on 11/2/08) and punt return (70 yards vs. Detroit on 11/23/08) in the same season.  In 2009, Smith led the NFL with a 29.1 kickoff return average. He originally signed with Tampa Bay on May 6, 2008 as an undrafted college free agent.

Smith played collegiately at Fresno State University, where he played in 35 career games for the Bulldogs. He finished his career with 630 rushing yards on 102 carries (6.2 avg.) with five touchdowns and 34 receptions for 368 yards. Smith also registered 47 career punt returns for 782 yards with five touchdowns and 10 kickoff returns for 182 yards. In 2005, Smith set an NCAA record against Weber State with three punt returns for 189 yards and two touchdowns. He also majored in communications at Fresno State. Smith led Edison High School (Fresno, CA) to the Valley title, earning league MVP honors, rushing for 1,378 yards and 27 touchdowns and totaling more than 300 receiving yards and two touchdown catches.

Reitz was originally awarded off waivers to the Dolphins on September 5, 2010.

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NFL

Name                                Pos.         Hgt.       Wgt.      Birthdate           Exp.         College                                  Hometown

Clifton Smith                  RB             5-9          190         7/4/85                 3                Fresno State                        Fresno, CA

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