[Buckskin86]

Big Willie will be honorary captain for the NC game

When the doors were opened and media allowed in, among those watching the workout was former Buckeye and current New Orleans Saints defensive lineman Will Smith.

He said he was proud to see how the city is slowly being rebuilt after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina 2 1/2 years ago.

"Unfortunately we had to go through it, but just to see all the positive people, seeing all the outside people coming in trying to do as much as they can to help the city rebuild itself has been great," he said. "Just as long as we can keep it going and get this city back to where it used to be."

Smith, who will serve as honorary captain at the national championship game Monday against LSU, said he still followed the Buckeyes closely and expected them to win.

Asked if he wanted to predict a score, he laughed and said, "I'm not touching that."

WANE-TV Coverage You Can Count On: Buckeyes get down to business in Saints practice facility