Former XFL running back Rod Smart, a.k.a. He Hate Me, is now an Edmonton Eskimo, the Edmonton Journal reported.

The former Las Vegas Outlaw, who arrived in Edmonton on Monday, is expected to be in the lineup Friday when the Eskimos play the B.C. Lions in a Canadian Football League game.

"I'm a playmaker," said Smart, perhaps the best-known player from the failed league. "Every time I touch the ball, I make something happen. I'm just here to help the Eskimos in whatever way I can."

In nine games with the Outlaws, Smart rushed 136 times for 536 yards and three TDs, good for second-best in the now-defunct league. The 24-year-old is on the Eskimos' practice roster, but he will likely play Friday in place of the injured Ryan Terry at running back and on returns.

Each XFL player was free to anoint himself with some sort of nickname or saying on the back of his jersey. Smart chose the inscription: "He Hate Me."

His reason?

At the time, Smart said, a lot of people disliked him both on and off the football field, especially players on opposing teams.

"It was something for the fans and the whole league," he said. "Our fans loved it. But I had a lot of negative comments made about me. I had a lot of the other teams' fans against me.

"I just had a lot of fun going in and making things happen. Actions speak louder than words, and I make it happen on the field."

Eskimo lineman Bruce Beaton played with the XFL's Los Angeles Xtreme. Smart impressed Beaton with his power and speed.

"Offensively, he was about all that Las Vegas had," Beaton said. "Everyone keyed on him and tried to stop him. And he still had a great year. He is a really physical running back. He runs so hard. He is a great pickup for us."

During his time in the XFL, Smart enjoyed celebrity status. He was interviewed by Playboy and had several Web sites dedicated to him. At one time, he was considering copyrighting his nickname.

His arrival in Edmonton marks the first time Smart has been outside the United States.

And what does he think of his new home?

"There's a lot of trees here, so I'm used to that," said the Florida native, who will have "Smart" on his green and gold jersey. "I've been living in Vegas for a couple months, so it's cooler here. That's good. It doesn't have that desert atmosphere.

"I might just like it here."