CINCINNATI -- This isn't like last season when Akili Smith arrived at the Cincinnati Bengals minicamp playing catch-up before his career could take flight.

	Akili Smith is hoping to bounce back from a rough rookie season.

By the time Smith reported to minicamp last season, the Bengals already had implemented 80 percent of their offense, and Smith missed another 27 days of training camp in a contract holdout. A severely sprained big toe limited the rookie quarterback to just four starts, hindering his development even further.

But so much has changed since last year.

Former Bengals quarterback Jeff Blake is now a New Orleans Saint, and Cincinnati drafted offensive weapons to complement their young quarterback.

This is Smith's team now.

"It feels good, but it's still a lot of pressure," Smith said. "You'd feel pressure, too, if you were the second-year quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals who haven't had a lot of success in the '90s. Going into the new stadium, everyone's hopes are high, and it's going to start with me. So, I'm going to continue to work hard."

This minicamp has been about getting Smith the reps he needs to lead the team. This is his first extensive work since Oct. 31 when he sprained his big toe.

"This has been great for Akili," Bengals coach Bruce Coslet said.

The tools are there -- quick, compact throwing motion, good athlete, strong, lively arm, great runner -- but Smith has to address the intangibles.

"He knows he's the man and he's growing into the position," Coslet said.

Smith's awareness of what Coslet wants is growing. He's picking up the minor details such as when a receiver has to adjust his pattern or a linebacker blitz. Smith also wants to throw on the run better.

"It takes awhile, but he's doing it very well," Coslet said. "He's got all the physical gifts, he just has to get some experience. He's going to have his moments where he doesn't look so good, and he's going to have his moments where he's going to light it up.

"We're going to have to ride that rocky road until we get him leveled out and being consistent."

Smith said his biggest improvements have to be made mentally.

"I've made some tremendous strides, but there's still so much more I need to learn," Smith said. "There is time, but time is ticking away and the season is going to be here a lot quicker than what people think.

"The key is knowing what you're doing pre-snap and going out there and making it happen. Just execute the offense, that's what it boils down to."

On paper, the offense holds promise, especially if the Bengals can re-sign running back Corey Dillon. Coslet has retooled the offense with more screens and reverses to showcase the talents of rookie wide receiver Peter Warrick. It's Smith's job to get him the ball.

"You can only go as far as your quarterback takes you," Smith said. "I've been doing OK, but I'm not nearly as satisfied as I want to be, but I can only get better."