2011 preseason has been an injury filled affair which is worrisome in that we are just now cresting the halfway mark.. Many top name rookies has fallen victim to season ending damage. (Thank the lockout for that) The Arizona Cardinals experienced this very issue themselves when dynamic Ryan Williams went down with a ruptured patella tendon. (My sympathies Ryan, and swift and healthy recovery wishes) But this isn't the story of Ryan Williams today, it is the story of the man who now gets a shot, his shot. Hit the jump to continue reading about...

Enter the picture, Alfonso Smith. Cards fans saw a large sampling of Smith in the 2nd preseason game against the Packers. But how many Cards fans know his background?

High school honor roll student

High school coach Chris Wolfe, "Incredible work ethic, great leadership skills, outstanding in the classroom."

Graduated from the UOK 2010 degree Community communications and leadership development

Multi-projects volunteer in both 2007, 2008 with the UOK

SEC academic honor roll 2008

The above all speak to his character, and Cards faithful know Whiz is big on character. Now for some football facts.

Undrafted free agent 2010. 

College rushing stats: 48 Games/214 ATT/956 YDS/8 TDs. (That's just under 4.5 yards a carry)

College receiving stats: 48 Games/30 RCPTS/322 YDS/2 TDs. (That's 10.75 yards a catch)

College TD stats: 48 Games/244 looks in system/10 TDs. (.04 TDs a look) Not a home run threat.

A larger back at 6'1"/211 lbs.

Ran a 4.38 40 at his pro day. Only 3 backs in his draft class posted a better number. (Spiller, Best, Karim)

Whiz has made no rush to find a replacement, content to let Smith fill the 2nd back role for now. Sure there are cuts to be made, players will become available. I believe the OLine and OLB will get looks during this time. The Cards would be fools to not look at the RB position during this time as well. However, Smith knows the team, and the scheme. He has good size and nice 40 speed. Whiz kept a stable of 4 backs last year. Where does Alfonso Smith fit into the picture this year? If I'm peaking into the mind of Whiz I see this at least to round out preseason. Get looks at the guys I have...RB1 Wells RB2 Smith RB3 LSH RB4 waiver wire veteran. If I carry 4 RBs. However, Whiz drafted Sherman this year, so maybe he is the 4th RB in the depth chart. 

What do you think?