Deuce Wanted Bush
http://www.nola.com/sports/t-p/index...2376203380.xml
Deuce applauds selection of Bush
McAllister: 'You've got to take him'
Sunday, April 30, 2006
By Mike Triplett
Staff writer
Deuce McAllister didn't second-guess the Saints' decision to draft fellow tailback Reggie Bush.
"I mean, the kid's that good. You've got to take him, regardless of your situation," said McAllister, who signed an eight-year, $50 million deal last summer.
McAllister said it was similar to when he was drafted in the first round in 2001. At the time, the Saints had Ricky Williams as their featured back. But this time, everyone expects the Saints to use Bush as a complementary offensive weapon rather than groom him as an eventual replacement.
"With me signing a major contract just last year, it's kind of a different situation," McAllister said. "Obviously if I was a general manager, I would've taken the kid. He's that good.
"I know it will take a couple touches away from me. But in the long run, it will help my career. I was in a similar situation at Ole Miss, when I split time with Joe Gunn. I'll try to help him as much as I can to make the transition from college."
Bush, too, was in a similar situation, winning the Heisman Trophy at Southern Cal last year despite sharing the backfield with tailback LenDale White.
Saints coach Sean Payton said the Saints will use both of their tailbacks in a similar fashion. Bush and McAllister can keep defenses off balance, opening things up for each other and for the passing game.
"It can open a lot of things up for our offense," said McAllister, who was pleased with the additions of Bush and center Jeff Faine. "You've got to put points on the board. Obviously a lot of people say you win championships with defense. But you've got to put points up."
McAllister, who was in Georgia for a charity event Saturday, said he spoke with Payton on Saturday afternoon and expects to speak with Bush for the first time today when he arrives back in New Orleans.
The tailbacks likely to be more affected by Bush's arrival are veteran backups Michael Bennett and Aaron Stecker. Bennett was signed as a free agent last month as a change-of-pace option with McAllister, but he will likely be relegated to backup duty.
Stecker, who is due a $1 million salary this year, will likely have to battle Bennett for a roster spot.
TICKET BOOST: The Saints, who saw a huge increase in season ticket sales when they signed free agent quarterback Drew Brees last month, saw a similar response Saturday.
"It was a brisk day at the ticket office," said vice president of ticket and suite sales Mike Stanfield. He didn't have an exact figure, but he said a nearly-full slate of 15 salespeople were working the phones.
The Saints have 16 salespeople on staff, but one of them was rewarded with a trip to New York for the draft.
INSTANT CELEBRITY: Even before he officially joined the NFL on Saturday, Bush had reportedly lined up more than $1 million in endorsement money -- more than any prospect in league history.
He signed a $1 million deal with adidas, in addition to deals with Hummer vehicles, Subway, EA Sports, Icelink jewelry and a memorabilia company in Hawaii, according to ESPN.com.
Bush said Saturday night that he is aware that there may be less marketing opportunities in New Orleans than a city such as New York, but he isn't concerned about that.
"I'm here to play football and that's the most important thing at the end of the day," said Bush, who is also aware of what he could mean to the morale of a rebuilding New Orleans. "I'm looking forward to being active in the community here. Obviously I'm here to play football, but I think I can be a help here, just to maybe bring some smiles to people's faces and do whatever I can."
SAFETY DANCE:The Saints had an overabundance of safeties on their roster even before they drafted Roman Harper in the second round Saturday. The team explained that their draft strategy is to target the best player available, regardless of position. But clearly, they need to make some moves at the position.
The Saints signed free agent safety Omar Stoutmire and traded for former Falcons starter Bryan Scott this offseason -- despite having experienced starters Dwight Smith, Josh Bullocks and Jay Bellamy in the fold.
"We're evaluating that. We're going to see what happens," said general manager Mickey Loomis, who confirmed that the Saints have had discussions with other teams about possibly trading Smith, one of their most productive players last season.
Payton said he does not anticipate moving any of the Saints' safeties to cornerback.
Reggie Bush
Linear Mode
