If you haven’t heard of Yates defensive back Quinten Smith, give him a minute to tell you about himself.

Smith, who committed to the Houston Cougars in the summer, hails from former super-power Jack Yates High School in Houston. The proud inner city school is returning to prominence and Smith is ready to shout it from the roof top of Reliant Park.

“This is our class and we’ve been together since the ninth grade,” he said. “Everybody has been downing Yates the last couple of years, but they are going to see us in the playoffs this year. Lamar wide-out Brandon LaFell did it at the Houston Cougar camp this summer.

“He said he didn’t shake anyone from Yates’ hand,” he said. “I told him then not to let seven on seven get to his head. Wait until we put the pads on. When I got an interception on him, I reminded him of that when I got my interception.

“We’ve got the baddest defense in the city right now,” he said. “I’m the captain and Tyrell Graham is the General.”

While the captain has verbally committed to the Cougars, he’s self-admittedly looking around at other schools.

“I like the Big 12 and the SEC,” he said.

“Anywhere in those two conferences would be a dream. I like Kansas, Texas Tech, Texas A&M, Oklahoma State – all of them,” he said. “And if me and Tyrell ended up at the same school that would be beautiful. Don’t get me wrong, I like Houston and if I end up there it’s going to be a successful situation.”

At 6-1, 180-pounds, Smith is a game-breaking athlete who plays corner, safety and kick returner.

“Not that many people know about me right now, but they will in a few years,” he said. “I’m a baler and a guy that keeps the team together. I consider myself a good leader.”