Interview: 2020 RB RJ Smith is Tearing Up Texas 6A Competition in Style
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There are certain states in the U.S. where football stats among the high school ranks carry a little extra weight, coupled with the classification or level. For RJ Smith, the Class of 2020 running back is getting it done without question being a workhorse/all-purpose back for Tompkins High School (Katy) helping the team to a 7-1 record this season, and doing it with style.
Rushing attacks travel and Smith is traveling all over the Lone Star State with an angry chip on his shoulder squaring off against 6A competition. Through eight games, the 5-11, 170-pound, back has rushed for 1,432 yards off 148 totes with 18 scores on the ground. On passing downs, Smith has added 153 more all-purpose yards off 11 receptions with two more trips into the end zone. The Falcons have remaining regular season games against Katy Taylor and Cinco Ranch to help push his stat line towards the 2,000 rushing yard mark before getting a chance to further showcase his skills in the playoffs.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the top rising talents in Texas’ 2020 recruiting class learning more about his game and budding recruiting process.
Interview
RJ, the Falcons offense has been on fire this season scoring an average of 37 points per game. What is working so well for you guys on offense allowing the team to be so productive?
“I think everyone is coming together. We put a lot of work in over the offseason and we are doing a lot of extra work after practice. We are all coming together as a team and that is showing on the field.”
You are obviously a big part of the offense with over 1,000 rushing yards. How are the coaches using you within the offense on running plays?
“They use my speed and field vision on zone plays and base inside run plays. They use me in a great way allowing me to use my vision to gain yards.”
You are getting a lot of carries each game, what is your routine the day after a game to refresh and recover your body?
“As a team, we go to school on Saturday and swim. Sometimes I will get a massage and cryotherapy treatment.”
I have never done cryotherapy treatment before, does cryotherapy treatment work after a tough game?
“Yes. I like it. It works for me.”
Of all the games played this season, which has been your best?
“My best, I believe, was the second game of the season against Klein Cain. I had 290 rushing yards and six touchdowns in that game.”
Wow. Yeah, that would count as a top game. How has your game improved this season?
“I believe it has improved a lot. In our offense, I don’t have to make big plays, I just have to get the yards for a first down and trust the process. The big plays will happen as we execute our plays.”
If a college coach were to ask you what are the strengths to your overall game as a running back how would you respond?
“I would say my field vision, speed, and my ability to do what is needed for the team are my strengths.”
We have talked about your speed a couple of times already, what is the best 40-yard dash time you’ve posted?
“A 4.5.”
Nice. On Friday, you guys got a 15-8 grind it out win over Morton Ranch, how did the game go for you?
“In the first half I did not play to my abilities. It was rainy and one of those kind of games. But, in the second half we adjusted and did well. I had the game winning touchdown in overtime.”
Congratulations on the winning score.
“Thank you.”
You get Katy Taylor next, what kind of challenges are you expecting from their defense?
“We have not studied them yet. What I know of them, they have a good defense. This should be a good game.”
With recruiting, which schools are showing interest in you but have not offered yet?
“Purdue, Oklahoma State, and Tulsa are showing interest.”
Have you had a chance to visit any schools yet?
“Yes. I have taken visits to Texas A&M and Texas. I was supposed to go to Tulsa for a visit but I could not go.”
How did the Texas visit go?
“It went very well. I liked what I saw.”
What about A&M, how did that visit go?
“I liked the atmosphere there. I loved it.”
Do you have any planned visits upcoming?
“I have none planned upcoming but I will take some more visits. I have to schedule it out with my dad.”
Are you playing any other sports for Tompkins?
“Yes. I ran track my freshman and sophomore year. This year will play basketball and track.”
Which events in track do you run?
“The 100, 200, 4×1, and relays.”
Busy man. Before the season began, what goals did you set for yourself?
“My goals for rushing and touchdowns, I wanted double-digits in touchdowns and 1,000 yards. I thought I could do it, but did not know I would do this well. As a team captain, one of my goals was to lead the team the best that I could throughout the season.”
With two regular season games remaining and the playoffs ahead, what are your personal goals for the rest of the season?
“My goals are for us as a team to play hard and win out. You can’t go wrong with winning out.”
RJ, great getting time in with you today. I appreciate it. Good luck with the rest of the season and playoffs.
“Thank you.”
Featured photo credit: Houston Chronicle; No. 24 RJ Smith in the open-field
Photo credit: Katy Times; No. 24 RJ Smith vs. Mayde Creek