Arkansas Sports 360 - ArkansasSports360.com

8/25/2010 at 2:21pm

Image by Will Flowers

Former Razorback Michael Smith is now working in media as a reporter and on-air personality at Hog Sports Radio.

Michael Smith established himself as a go-to quote for reporters working the Arkansas football beat in recent seasons. Smith often found himself on the end of microphones, video cameras and tape recorders, especially in 2007 and 2008.

Now Smith is experiencing life on the opposite end of the reporter-player relationship. Hog Sports Radio recently hired Smith, who ran for 2,023 yard and 16 touchdowns during his career, as a reporter and on-air personality. Smith has already appeared on “The Pro Knows” show from 12-1 p.m.

Smith fielded a call from Hog Sports Radio general manager Don Storrs just hours after getting bad news from a UFL franchise. Las Vegas’ UFL franchise had shown interest in Smith, but decided it didn’t need an additional running back on its roster.

“I jumped right on it,” Smith said. “They showed me how to work equipment, what I’d be doing. We just kind of got at it.

“I needed a reason to come back and watch the guys.”

This isn’t Smith’s first foray into media. Remember, Smith did sideline work on the Razorbacks’ spring game telecast in April.

Storrs did not immediatley return an email seeking comment about hiring Smith.

Why was there an open position at the station? A little something called Hat Gate, which you can read more about here if you’re interested.

Tagged: Bobby Petrino, Michael Smith