I was thinking about this recently. He might just be my favorite player on the team. I just love his versatility and athleticism.
Yes he was taking the direct snap, but Mangini/Shotty had him running the straight option which largely was unsuccessful. The Miami Wildcat gave Shotty ways to use him differently and then came the pistol formation. Smith was practically on his way out the door for lack of production at WR, but Rex/Tanny gave him another chance and he finally was productive last year.
Forget about Smith, I saw the Jets run the the wildcat with Leon before I ever saw the Dolphins run it with Ronnie Brown.
Smith was only on his way out in the minds of fans. He was productive taking a direct snap before the wildcat became popular.
I recall Hackett calling a direct snap to Lamont Jordan with Curtis in the backfield a few years back.
he faked the pitch to Martin and kept it around the left side for a first down. Against the Seahawks, maybe? Where's nyjunc?
In a small dark room watching Leon Washington's two kick return TD's over and over again. Dick in hand.
We did run it w/ Vinny lining up wide and lamont taking the snap, we just didn't run it often and w/o alot of success.