Another Steve Smith on the scene
When Pac10Recruting was putting together the top 25 list for the State of Arizona, many opposing coaches asked if athlete prospect Steve Smith (6-1, 195, 4.55) from Mesa (Ariz.) Red Mountain was on our all-Arizona team.
When opposing coaches ask that question it is our duty to get to the bottom of the Steve Smith question. Like the Steve Smith from the Golden State, the Grand Canyon State’s Steve Smith is a clutch performer and is at his best when the pressure is highest.
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Smith started the season as a free safety, but took over at quarterback after halftime of the third game and ended up leading Red Mountain to the 5A State Championship. He carried Red Mountain on his back and scored ten touchdowns during their playoff run, including two in the State Championship game.
Smith is being recruited as a safety or corner on the next level. “Steve is a tremendous athlete who would start on hoops or baseball if he decided to,” Red Mountain head coach Jim Jones said. “He’s very intelligent and a student of the game of football.”
“When it comes down to a tight game, Steve will take over a game,” Jones said. “During the playoffs all the games were tight. Steve would not let us lose. He would make a play that alleviated the pressure. Steve’s leadership abilities are tremendous.”
For the year Smith ran for 690 yards on 99 carries while rushing for 13 touchdowns. As a passer Smith was 26 out of 60 for 650 yards and seven touchdowns through the air, all in nine games.
What does this talented athlete want in a college?
“I want to go to a school with a strong football program and great academics,” Smith said. “I want to receive a good education so if I don’t make it to the next level, I will still make a good living by getting a good education.”
The interesting thing about Smith is the schools showing the most attention are colleges that do a great job evaluating talent.
Those schools are Colorado State, Oregon State, ASU, and UCLA and for good measure Brown from the Ivy League…