Watch CBS News

Reality TV Contestant Set to Join Power

By Matt Popchock

(mpopchock@kdka.com)

Pittsburgh Power head coach Chris Siegfried didn't need to study film on players from various realms of the football world to decide the next player to add to his 2012 squad. He just needed to watch basic cable.

Former Iowa Barnstormers defensive back Ahmaad Smith, a contestant on Spike TV's 2009 reality series "4th and Long," has been assigned to the Power, according to multiple sources.

Smith competed on the show, which was hosted by Hall of Fame receiver Michael Irvin, for a spot on the Dallas Cowboys' training camp roster, and nearly earned it before losing to current Cowboys receiver Jesse Holley. (Among the other finalists were former Bishop McCort standout Andrew Hawkins, as well as Eddie Moten of the AFL's San Jose Sabercats, a three-time All-Arena defensive back.)

Smith later played very briefly with the Barnstormers, recording two solo tackles in 2010, before spending time in the CFL with the Toronto Argonauts.

Check out a highlight package of Smith's appearance on "4th and Long."

In other Arena Football League free agency news, rookie receiver Carlos Suggs has also signed with the Power, according to the same sources.

Suggs played sparingly at Ole Miss and will try to play his way onto a receiving corps that already includes returnees Mike Washington and Lonnell Dewalt, two of the Power's top players last season.

Speaking of returning players, offensive lineman Mike Lucian, a part-timer from the Power's inaugural campaign, will reportedly rejoin the team.

The 6'3", 305-pound Penn State alumnus scored one rushing touchdown from the fullback spot after fan favorite Josh Rue was released. Barring future signings, Lucian seems to be a front-runner to take the fullback job on a more permanent basis.

(Special thanks to Trib Total Media's Dom Errico for his contributions to this post.)

(Follow me on Twitter: twitter.com/mpopchock)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.