MONTREAL -- Theres no doubt in Troy Smiths mind hell be the Montreal Alouettes starting quarterback when training camp opens in June. Rod Carew Jersey . "In my mind, thats the only way I will prepare," he said via telephone from Columbus, Ohio. "Thats the only way I think I will do the team justice. "When you think the way youre supposed to, thats when you help the team most. When you hold back, when you dont allow yourself to reach your full potential obviously you hinder the team. I want to do nothing but help the team and the only way I can is thinking as the starter." Montreal agreed with Smith, a former Heisman Trophy winner at Ohio State, and youngster Tanner Marsh on three-year contracts Friday. Both took significant snaps with the club in 2013 after incumbent Anthony Calvillo suffered a season-ending concussion. Montreal continues to await official word from Calvillo, 41, regarding his CFL future. But in November, pro footballs all-time passing leader admitted hes leaning towards retirement. Jim Popp, Montreals head coach and GM, said there was plenty to like about Smiths play last season. "Im very impressed with Troys leadership, communication skills and ability to grab his teammates attention," Popp said. "Last season, Troy quickly proved to us he can adapt to the CFL and showed great promise for the future." Smith, 29, joined the Alouettes roughly midway through the season and took over as the starter Oct. 20, compiling a 2-1 record. Montreal finished third in the East Division with an 8-11 record and the six-foot, 225-pound Smith was under centre for the clubs 19-16 overtime loss to Hamilton in the conference semifinal. Late in the fourth quarter, game officials missed a pass interference call in the end zone on Montreals Duron Carter. Instead of getting the ball at the Hamilton one-yard line with a chance for the go-ahead touchdown, the Alouettes had to settle for a field goal to force overtime. "Losing on a fluke call does nothing but leave a bitter taste in my mouth," Smith said. "Playing last year makes me a little more hungry, a little more thirsty about having the chance and possibility to get to the Grey Cup. "Its on." Marsh began his rookie season third on Montreals depth chart behind Calvillo and backup Josh Neiswander. On Aug. 22, the former Arkansas Tech star came off the bench to rally Montreal to a thrilling 39-38 home win over B.C., his 57-yard completion to Eric Deslauriers setting up the game-winning field goal. The six-foot-four, 218-pound Marsh finished his rookie season completing 56-of-106 passes for 972 yards with three TDs and eight interceptions. He also ran for 125 yards and two TDs on 21 carries. Heady stuff considering Marsh arrived in Montreal with low expectations. "I was just hoping to make the practice squad," he said via telephone from Russellville, Ark. "The next thing you know, a year later I sign an extension, which is pretty darn awesome." Popp said Marsh impressed with both his legs and arm. "Were excited about Tanner," he said. "Were looking forward to seeing his athletic skills and his dual-threat ability as he continues to develop into what we feel will be a premier player. "His performance versus B.C. made him an instant icon in Montreal. Marsh Madness continues." But Marsh understands hell return to Montreal in 2014 with no guarantees. "I got an extension so obviously they have faith in me," he said. "It gives me a chance to come back next year and compete. "It gives me a little confidence to come in and compete and know I have a chance to be the quarterback with the Montreal Alouettes for the next three years." Marsh has no indication what Calvillo will ultimately decide but admitted he was stunned by Calvillos football knowledge. "The biggest thing I learned last year was I have a lot to learn," Marsh said. "I remember A.C. and I going over reads and every little thing. "After that first meeting, I was like, Wow, theres a reason why hes the best. I learned more from him than I could even describe." Rod Carew Angels Jersey . -- Ryan Mallett played solidly in his first chance at quarterback for the New England Patriots. Kevin Jepsen Authentic Jersey . There have been a few challenges for Koe in the leadup to the competition, which opens Saturday at Beijings Capital Indoor Stadium. Chief among them is news that there are changes coming to his rink next season.WINNIPEG -- He wasnt pushed by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and thinks he could still play but, at nearly 35 years of age, veteran CFL all-star receiver Terrence Edwards says his body has been giving him messages that the time is right to retire. "My body has been starting to tell me that my career has been coming to an end," the soft-spoken Georgia native said Tuesday from his home in Atlanta. He wanted to dispel any suggestions he was being pushed, after musing earlier this year that he might return for a season or two and said he was keeping another promise, to retire from football in a Bomber uniform. "It was my decision, it wasnt a decision that was made by the club forcing me to retire. . I just thought it was the best time for me right now to move on from playing professional football." The Bombers praised him as one of their greats and his numbers back that up. He sits fourth on the all-time team list for receiving yards at 7,200, produced five 1,000-yard-plus seasons and 24 100-yard-plus games, second only to Milt Stegall in that regard among Bombers receivers. He was a league all-star twice and a divisional all-star three times. "Terrence will retire today as one of the best receivers in the history of this franchise," said general manager Kyle Walters in a statement. "He was a leader of the clubs offence for many years and players like him simply do not come along every day. He was a special player in our league, and we thank him for everything he has done for our organization." As a Bomber, he never failed to gain at least 500 receiving yards and pushed his CFL career totals to 508 catches for 7,637 yards and 47 touchdowns by the end of 2013. And that includes last season, when his playing time was limited by injuries. He also mentioned Tuesday what went on last year in the Bomber locker-room but wouldnt go into any details. It was not a happy place to be, as the team struggled and finished tied for their worst season in the 18-game CFL at 3-15. It cost the teams president, general mmanager and coach their jobs. Nolan Ryan Jersey. But injuries were certainly a factor in his decision, agreed Edwards. "Getting freak injuries throughout the whole year last year. And thats one thing I always told myself, that if I had a major injury Id retire and I did have a major injury last year." He had off-season surgery to repair an injured foot that was the most serious problem he faced in 2013, although he also missed a couple of games due to an injured shoulder. Also nagging at him, he confessed, is the fact that none were contact injuries. He says he wants to be able to run around with his two young sons without having to take pain killers. "That was also in my decision-making process." When Edwards entered the CFL he was known as the younger brother of running back Robert Edwards, a first-round NFL draft pick who played for the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins before moving to the CFL, first with Montreal then with the Toronto Argonauts. Terrence Edwards also had a very brief try in the NFL in 2003 with the Atlanta Falcons but it was in the CFL that he made his mark. After two seasons with the Montreal Alouettes, his debut in a Bomber uniform in 2007 saw him record 1,280 yards and nine touchdowns. There is no question he will be missed. "Terrence Edwards has been a consummate professional for the Winnipeg Football Club throughout the past seven years, and I would personally like to thank him for representing our club with class, hard work, and a burning desire to be successful," said Bomber president Wade Miller. "He may be hanging them up but he will always remain a member of the Blue Bomber family." Edwards says he has plans for life after football but declined to go into any detail. He also suggested he wouldnt mind coaching at some point. He enjoys playing recreational basketball and will continue to do that. "But right now I just want to relax, and step away from it for a little while . . . I think I just want to be a fan now and watch the games." wholesale nfl jerseys cheap jerseys from china ' ' '
