Alabama signs HB Michael Smith

PRESS CONF. FROM HOOVER, AL 4-24-10: "Hello everyone, after a busy season and some busy scouting of the NFL Draft, the Alabama Gladiators have decided to announce Darren Sproles will not return to the team for the 2010 season. He has spent 2 seasons with the Gladiators and has been the face of our franchise, weather it was competing for the rushing title or returning kicks he was a true Superstar to this team and to the league. He has decided that he will focus on the NFL full-time now and retire from MLF because he has now become a bigger role for the San Diego Chargers. The Alabama Gladiators have decided to retire his #43 jersey since he has been the face of our franchise. We are very pleased with what he has done and sad it has come to an end but it is obviously the best thing he can do. Sproles will do the Coin Flip for the Gladiator's first home game and have his jersey retired before the game starts."

"Since Sproles is gone, we have been given the opportunity to sign a replacement runningback. We have decided to sign the #3 Runningback prospect for this year in Michael Smith of Arkansas. Smith is a very similar player to Sproles, he is a small speedy back at 5'9, 180. He spent most of last season injured for the Razorbacks which ruined his shot at the pros. In his Junior year he was a SEC rushing leader having 1,072 yards on 20 carries, with 10 total Touchdowns (2 Receiving). He had key games against big teams, rushing for over 500 yards against the Top 25 which was 6th nationally. He also had a 133 yard game against the National Champion Florida Gators, the most the team had given up all season. Although it will be tough to replace Sproles, we think Smith is our best shot. Sproles was evaluated at a 87 overall and would have probably been bumped to an 88 or 89 after an impressive season. Smith will come into the league rated at 84, we feel confidant that he will get the job done and maybe he will be as good as Sproles while starting for the Gladiators. He will be signed to a 4 point contract for 4 seasons."

- Alabama Gladiator Owner Michael Harbison