Interview: 2022 California SR/ATH Travon Smith Jr. Preparing for Breakthrough Season at Diamond Ranch
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
After learning and playing at California’s national powerhouse Centennial High School, Travon Smith Jr. is ready for his breakout season on the gridiron. Once the 2020 season wrapped this spring in the Golden State, Smith transferred to Diamond Ranch High School where he plans to line up at receiver, running back, kick and punt returner, and on defense at corner. Ahead of his big season on the field, Smith (5-8, 150) has been making the rounds at regional college camps showing scouts what he can do in-person, and the efforts are paying off.
For a rundown on his move to the Panthers and his offseason grind, Smith stopped by the RNG Lab.
Interview
Travon, let’s jump into it; how did the 2020 season go for you on the field?
It went amazing. I learned so much about receiver, lining up and looking the ball in. Working in a great offense with Coach (Matt) Logan, if I go anywhere else, I am way ahead of everyone else. The drills are amazing at Centennial; blocking and everything has been a great experience.
You got to flash that speed on special teams with the Huskies during the 2020 season. What have you been doing this offseason to increase your top-end speed and agility?
I have been working out at Speed House with Coach Johnson; he works with NFL and college guys. Gary Bryant is one of the guys that workouts there, he just went to USC from Centennial. I have been running hills and going to gym building my legs up to get faster for next season. A lot of speed control drills; it is about speed and agility, and I think I got that.
You transferred this offseason; on offense, where all will you be lining up Diamond Ranch’s offense?
At receiver, running back, corner, punt and kick returner.
What style of offense will you guys be running during the 2021 season?
A Spread/no-huddle; no under center at all.
What have you been doing this spring and summer to prepare for an increased role on offense this fall?
I am trying to get bigger. Every day I am in the weight room getting ready to compete at this level and the next level. I have been doing crazy workouts making sure I don’t get left behind. There is always someone trying to pass you up.
As a receiver, what have you been focusing on to improve your skills?
One of the main things is my hands, looking the ball in, my route technique, and new releases. In any situation, I know the get off I can use. If a DB has studied me from last week, they won’t know what I will do because I can change what I am doing. Also, you have to train for the good and the bad balls. I train with for the bad balls, the floaters and off-target passes. I am also working on becoming more agile and being able to go back from 50 mph to 20 miles per hour on a route.
Have you been playing 7v7 this spring and/or summer? If so, who have you been playing with?
I have been playing with Diamond Ranch.
Have you been to any college camps this summer?
Yes, I have been to the Dixie State camp and I am going to a Yale camp; they DM-ed me asking me to go to their camp. I am also going to a New Mexico State camp, and other colleges will be there.
The Dixie State camp, how did that go?
I think, besides it being 110 degrees, I showed off my skills against JC players and all the high school players there. It was a great experience. I competed great and did great in the drills. The coaches said I did great. I caught everything. There were only two or three overthrown passes on a fade route that I did not catch but I had him beat by five yards.
I also raced in the fastest man race. The camp had great coaches from BYU, UCLA, San Diego and more. It was a great experience.
Very cool. I see you also compete in track; in which events?
The 100, 4×1, and 200.
What is your top time in the 100?
An 11.3.
After all the hard work put into your game coupled with the camps attended, which programs are now showing interest?
Sac State, San Deigo, they like my stuff and sent me applications to fill out. Yale is showing interest too.
Have you received that first offer yet?
Yes, I have an offer from Philander (Smith) College (Arkansas).
Very cool. Congratulations.
Thank you.
Travon, thanks for your time today. Wishing you great success the rest of this summer with the possible camps and making that transition at Diamond Ranch.
Yes, sir. Thank you.
Photo credit: Smith family; Travon Smith Jr.