Interview: 2018 Tennessee 2,000 Yard Rusher Dontae Smith is a Difference Maker on the Field
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There are certain qualities on the football field that just cannot be taught that can make a big difference on the scoreboard game after game. One of the most coveted “wants” for a high school and/or college coach, beyond a specific physical stature for a given position, is speed. As the expression goes, speed kills. But speed alone does not make a football player. Toss in heart, determination, and all-around athletic ability and a coach has something. Just ask Spring Hill High School head coach Jay Emmons about his all-purpose running back Dontae Smith.
Smith turned his God given athletic ability into a breakout season as a sophomore but really turned on the jets during his junior season rushing for 2,381 yards with 28 touchdowns. The difference for the Raiders was a four-game swing to the positive in the win-loss column ending the 2016 season 7-6. In addition to tearing up opposing Tennessee 4A defenses on the ground, Smith also proved to be a capable third down back hauling in passes and was a difference maker on special teams repeatedly flipping the field when the opposition kicked his way. All the hard work paid off earning All-Region MVP honors and being name Mid-State first team All-State.
With all the talent and productivity displayed on the field, the recruiting process was slow going for the 5-10, 179 pound, athlete. Offers came in from Georgia State and Howard but things have changed quickly on the recruiting trail for Smith. After showcasing his play-making skills at an Under Armour All-American camp and two Nike Opening Regionals, the flood gates of recruiting attention have finally started opening. Teams like Illinois, Louisville, Virginia, Wake Forest, Wisconsin, Central Florida, Air Force, and Vanderbilt, among others, are each checking in on Smith and his 4.4 speed in the 40-yard dash.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the more overlooked all-purpose backs in SEC Country getting an overview on his 2016 campaign, off-season workouts, and recruiting process thus far.
Interview
What offense does Spring Hill run? Looks like you guys run some pistol and some spread.
“We run the Power I too and some spread. We spread it out.”
The coaches do a great job of getting toss sweeps to you on the outside to set up one-on-ones with linebackers, is that your favorite running play?
“I like our jets. I like to get outside as quick as I can to get into open space. I like counter gaps too. When blocked right they are my favorite plays to run.”
You do a great job of keeping your feet on contact and show great balance when hit, do you practice anything specific or do any drills to help you with your balance?
“Yes, sir. I train throughout the whole year. I do a lot of footwork drills. At school we do a lot of drills and I workout with Elite Three.”
How many all-purpose yards did you gain last year?
“I think it was around maybe 2,700 yards.”
What kind of offense will the Raiders run in 2017? Are the coaches making any changes to the scheme?
“I think we will run the same offense but with some new plays added in.”
Will your role on the team change at all this season?
“No, sir. Same position.”
Are you playing any defense in 2017?
“Yes, sir – outside linebacker.”
Are you excited about playing outside linebacker this season?
“Yes, sir. I love it. I love how physical you can be on defense. On offense, you try to avoid it, but I love it on defense. My sophomore year I played some DB. I play DB with my 7v7 team (Elite Three). I feel like I have gotten better on defense this spring.”
What are the strengths of your game at running back?
“I feel like my speed and my vision help me the most. I also feel like I am strong and explosive once I cut. That helps me a lot.”
What are you working to improve upon this off-season?
“My strength with my off-season lifts and I have been working on cutting, making one miss and picking up my speed. I have worked on my speed a lot.”
What is the fastest 40-yard dash time you’ve posted? I saw you ran a 4.51 laser-timed 40 at one of the Nike Opening camps.
“I ran a 4.4 hand-timed at a Missouri camp.”
What are college coaches telling you they like about your game?
“A lot of coaches like my speed. They see me at the Nike Combines running a 4.4. They see me as a one-on-one player that no one can stop.”
What are college coaches telling you they want to see from you to turn interest into offers?
“I know a couple have told me, because I am not as big, they want to see me cut and turn on the speed more.”
Which exposure camps have you attended this off-season?
“An Under Armour All-American camp (Atlanta) and a Nike Opening camp in Atlanta and Cleveland.”
Do you have any plans to attend college camps this summer?
“Yes, sir. I have a list. I know I will be going to Illinois, Vanderbilt, Tennessee, Louisville, Virginia and Virginia Tech, Florida, and whoever is at the local satellite camps. I will be at those. And Wake Forest, they really want me to come camp with them.”
Which teams are showing interest in you but have not offered yet?
“Syracuse, Wake Forest, Wisconsin, Vanderbilt, MTSU (Middle Tennessee State), and Central Florida. Ever since these camps, a lot of coaches have contacted me on Twitter asking me how I am doing. I am asked to go to a lot of Junior Days. Air Force is another one. Air Force wants me to camp there.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?
“This off-season I have been to Louisville, MTSU, Miami (OH), and that is all so far. I plan to take more.”
Which other schools might you take an unofficial visit to coming up?
“I know I want to go back to Louisville. Western Kentucky, Wake Forest, and Central Michigan – they want me up there. I want to try to make it to Memphis and Tennessee. It is hard for me to think of all of them off the top of my head.”
No worries. I understand. Let’s shift over to the classroom. What is your cumulative GPA?
“2.7.”
Have you taken the SAT or ACT yet?
“Yes, sir. I got an 18 on the ACT. I am going to retake it.”
Do you play any other sports for Spring Hill?
“Just track.”
Which events in track do you run?
“The 4×2, 4×1, 100, and 200.”
Which of the four is your best event?
“Our track meets keep getting cancelled because of weather. I have run the 200 but my 100, I feel, is better.”
What are your goals for the off-season to ensure a fantastic senior year?
“I want to be stronger. I want to improve on what the coaches have told me to improve on – cutting and getting up field faster.”
Which NFL team is your favorite?
“I like the Steelers.”
Which NFL player inspires you with your play on the field?
“Ezekiel Elliot (Dallas Cowboys).”
Dontae, thanks for your time today and good luck with all the upcoming camps.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Coffee County; No. 2 Dontae Smith blows past a Tullahoma defensive back
Photo credit: MCPS Sports; No. 2 Dontae Smith gets around the end
Photo credit: Smith family; Dontae Smith at Louisville (April 2017)