Event Spotlight: Eagles Sign Smith and McMullen Thursday, July 24, 2003 By Rich Burg Philadelphia Eagle Media Services The Philadelphia Eagles have announced the signing of second round draft choice, tight end L.J. Smith, and third round draft choice, wide receiver Billy McMullen. Smith signed a five-year contract and McMullen inked a four-year deal. As is club policy, financial terms of the deals are undisclosed. A native of Highland Park, NJ, Smith (6-3, 258) was a four-year starter at Rutgers University. He finished second in school history among tight ends with 122 receptions for 1,458 yards and 10 TDs. Smith earned All Big East honors as both a junior and senior. During his senior year, Smith led the Scarlet Knights with a career-high 32 receptions for 384 yards and 3 TDs. McMullen (6-4, 210) became the first player in Virginia Cavalier's history to lead the team in receiving four straight years. The Richmond, Virginia, native finished as the school's all-time leader in receptions (210) and yards (2,978) while his 24 TDs ranked 3rd all time. Both players are expected to report to Lehigh University, along with all other rookies and selected veterans, when the Eagles open training camp tomorrow. The Eagles have now signed five of their six 2003 draft choices (Smith, McMullen, DE Jamaal Green, T/G Jeremy Bridges, and S Norman LeJeune).

©2003 South Jersey Sports Online Inc.