San Antonio WR Onyx Smith getting looks from UTSA, Bowling Green
This offseason is a critical one for Cibolo-Steele wide receiver Onyx Smith.
Last season, he was the top receiving option for Texas Tech commit Xavier Martin, but all too often his quarterback was prone to generating as many yards on the ground as he was through the air. Now that Martin is no longer part of the picture, Smith has two options in front of him as he tries to build some momentum with his recruitment.
Door No. 1: Continue on at WR for Steele next season, potentially with 2020 quarterback Isaiah Moore learning the ropes on the fly, or Door No. 2: Play quarterback himself and take matters into his own hands.
“I feel like playing quarterback will give me more of an opportunity, because I’ll have the ball in my hands every play,” he said. “Receiver is of course my number-one position, but if I want to have a breakout season - which I need for recruiting - I just want to be wherever can get us to win and show my talent when I can.”
The choice seems like a clear one - so long as his head coach agrees - but that makes this spring and summer all the more crucial as Smith attends camps to show off those chops as a pass-catcher.
Two teams that have at least started kicking the tires on Smith are UTSA and Bowling Green. The Roadrunners seem an obvious interested party, but the Falcons have been actively recruiting in Texas in recent weeks and have strong ties with Steele.
IN HIS WORDS
On UTSA
“Things are pretty much just starting off with them,” he said. “They knew who I was before I knew they were interested in me so I went up to the junior day and it seemed like they were pretty familiar with me, so that was exciting to see.”
“I feel like their program is growing by big steps,” he said. “I know they had one of the best recruiting classes [in program history] last year so I know the coach up there is making great strides with the program. I feel like they’re going to take off here soon.”
On Bowling Green
“Bowling Green is real nice too,” he said. “Coach (Mike) Jinks is up there right now and he actually used to coach at Steele. Bryson Denley, he used to go to our school, he’s up there right now - and it’s up in Ohio and that’s where my family is at.”
RIVALS REACTION
A move to quarterback wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world - he played the position as a youngster growing up with many of his current Steele teammates. That being said, his value as a receiver comes from the more fundamental elements of his game rather than being the electrifying-type of athlete most quarterbacks that project as receivers are. Either way, Steele players are gradually getting a little more attention this spring on the heels of their state championship appearance last season, and Smith isn’t due to be left behind.