One to Watch Interview Wisconsin: Catholic Memorial 2017 Bruising DT Tevin Smith Adding Regional Interests
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
Wins and losses in football games start up front which is a good thing for Catholic Memorial High School (Waukesha). The Crusaders have unleashed defensive tackle Tevin Smith onto the opposition with great results thus far with even bigger expectations heading into the 2016 season.
Smith helped the Crusaders to an 11-3 mark a year ago beating up opposing Wisconsin lineman as an undersized yet strong and quick tackle or nose guard. The 5-11, 274 pound, playmaker fought his way to 46 tackles, three sacks, and 12 tackles for a loss proving to be a solid run stopper. The Crusaders are already off to a hot 2-0 start in 2016 with Smith leading the charge on defense.
The “tweener” status for Smith has not stopped college coaches from looking in on him. When his playing days are finished, he could grow into a true defensive tackle by adding a couple of inches or swing outside being a skilled end with a history of taking on linemen in the trenches. Some of the colleges showing interest includes Northern Iowa, Northwest Missouri State, Minnesota-Duluth, Sam Houston State, Minnesota State-Mankato, and Winona State.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I checked in with Smith to get an overview on his summer, his expectations for his senior year, and a recruiting news update.
Interview
Tevin, even though you play tackle and nose, but being listed at 5-11, do you think of yourself more as a tackle or an end?
“For me, I’d say I am more of a tackle. I can work the middle and be a run stuffer. I can control double-teams unlike a lot of defensive ends.”
From a technique standpoint, what are some of the things you do well as a tackle?
“I’d say my first step and my get off are usually a lot quicker than the linemen I face. I can shoot the gap and get in front of them. I have quick footwork and good hands. I can beat the center and guard off the ball.”
Did you earn any individual honors at the end of last year?
“I was named first team All-Conference.”
What all did you work on this off-season?
“This off-season I worked more on my pass rush. Last year I was disappointed in my sack numbers. I worked a lot on that. I’m getting quicker with my footwork and foot speed. I’m faster this year and more lean and cut. I cut out all the bad weight.”
Did you max out this off-season?
“I did. My bench is 315, squat 500, and power clean is 235.”
How many different positions might we see you play this season?
“I’m at the nose on defense and I’m working in at guard and tackle on offense. I’m also playing some fullback. I’m busy this year.”
Are you excited playing some fullback this year?
“Oh yes. I love playing fullback. I played there my freshman year. I had a touchdown my freshman year playing fullback. I am excited.”
With all the positions that you are playing and all that you are doing this year, what goals have you set for yourself in 2016?
“We made a list of goals at the end of last year. I know my first goal was to get back to state and win. My other goal is to raise my GPA up to a 3.2. My last goal is to win the Tim Krumrie, the award for the top defensive lineman in Wisconsin.”
Which college camps did you go to this summer?
“I went to University of Northern Iowa, Northwest Missouri State, and University of Minnesota Duluth.”
Which camp did you perform your best?
“UNI. I think I performed really well there.”
Do you have any visits planned for the season?
“Right now I have Minnesota-Mankato in two or three weeks, then Winona State, and Northwest Missouri State on Halloween weekend.”
You mentioned raising your GPA, what was your GPA for your junior year?
“I had a 2.7 GPA.”
Have you taken the ACT yet?
“I did. I got a 19 but I am taking it again.”
What is your favorite subject in school?
“Science.”
I know you guys have jumped out to a 2-0 record. How have you guys looked in the first two games of the season?
“We look good right now. We have maybe four or five new starters. Everyone is healthy. Our first string running back went down with an ACL tear but our new running back ran for 150 last game. I think we can make it to Camp Randle this year.”
Of the games coming up on the schedule, is there at least one game you are excited to play?
“Oh yes. Arrowhead (Sept. 23). For us, Arrowhead is a big rivalry. We have not beaten them since like 2011. Their team this year is looking strong. Our senior class should be able to compete well against them this year. There are good players on both teams. The closest we came to betting them was like three points three years ago. Everyone here has a big circle on that game.”
Last question, which team is your pick as the 2016 college football champs?
“Alabama, hands down. I love Alabama. Roll Tide!”
Tevin, thanks for your time today. Good luck with the rest of your senior season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: youtube.com; No. 68 Tevin Smith fights off a lineman.
Photo credit: twitter.com; No. 68 Tevin Smith on the field.
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