Interview: QB Donovan Smith Showcased Again That He’s One of the Best in 2021 Class
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There isn’t a recruiting checkbox left unmarked when going down the line on Class of 2021 quarterback Donovan Smith. Smith has the size (6-3, 205), footspeed, quickness, and mobility to move around in the pocket and pick up yards with his legs if needed. More importantly, he has all the arm talent possible. With a Sunday arm, Smith can get the ball anywhere on the field desired, and can do it from any angle and with a defender in his face. All the physical tools are meaningless without an understanding of the game. Not only does Smith fully grasp the offense being executed, but he also understands what defenses are trying to do and how to counter their attack.
The three-star Damien High School standout has everything possible except a next level landing spot. With his recruitment process wide open, Smith stopped by the RNG Clubhouse for another detailed conversation.
*Click link for Nov. 2020 RNG interview with Donovan Smith
Interview
Donovan, I wanted to start this interview out a little different than usual getting in on areas that might have been on the weak side, see what you could have done better, but I couldn’t find anything. The drops, reads, such a quick release, and everything was on a rope. Were you happy with your play this spring? I know I was happy with your play.
(Laughs) I was happy towards the middle to the end. In the beginning, I didn’t trust the offensive fully yet. It was a new system. Knowing my reads and going through my reads, I got better as time went on.
Your release was lightning fast, compact, and just a rocket coming out of your hand. Obviously, repetition is a big part of how you got there, but if you will, go into detail on how you’ve developed your motion and release over time?
When I first started, I had a big windup. Ryan Porter, my QB coach, always says the more violent your feet are the faster you get the ball off. Fast-quick footwork helped get my release quicker. Up and out, always up and out with my motion. That helped me a lot.
You were with the Los Osos Grizzlies for the 2019 season, what offensive scheme were you running then?
In 2019, we were running an Air Raid type of scheme throwing the ball pretty much every play. We were passing 35 to 40 times a game.
This season with the Spartans, what scheme were you executing and what were some of the formations within it?
It was a quick RPO offense with rub routes off man coverage. We liked to use the tight end. Our offense had a lot of 11-personnel and 21-personnel. We’d pass out of those formations in a kind of a pro-style set. We were more pro-style with a lot of under center stuff.
What were some of the routes your guys were running?
We ran pretty much every route; quick slants, digs, drags, and all that good stuff.
How were defenses trying to stop you?
A lot of teams we played were in Cover 2-man. That is pretty much what we saw. There was some Cover 3 every now and again.
Your reads looked on point, and you were staying in the pocket taking the big hit to deliver the impact plays. How did your understanding of the game grow in the offseason to make that transition with the Spartans look so easy?
I spent a lot of time trying to learn new things from my offensive coordinator. We met every day. He is a QB guy. Watching film with him helped me understand the offense, the holes that would be open, where to get the ball off, and how to get the ball off.
Even NFL guys are working on their skills and fundamentals this offseason, what are you keying on with an eye to the next level?
Right now, I am focusing on the small details of my mechanics like rotating my hips getting more of my lower body into my throw. I want nothing bad going on with my upper body as I go on with my career. The little details are my focus.
Donovan, congratulations on another great season showcasing all that you can do on the field as one of the nation’s best. Good luck with your ongoing recruiting process.
Thank you, sir.
Donovan Smith’s Statistical Profile
2020 Damien Spartans Record: 5-1
2020 Stats (5 games): 1,101 yards passing, 10 TD passes; 2 rush TDs
2019 Los Osos Grizzlies Grizzlies Record: 5-6
2019 Stats (11 games): 198 of 311 (64%) for 2,517 yards with 19 touchdowns; 5 rushing scores
2018 Los Osos Grizzlies Record: 4-6
2018 Stats (10 games): 122 of 195 (63%) for 1,834 yards with 13 touchdowns; 4 rushing scores
Offers: Boston College, Cal, and North Carolina Central
**Click link for Donovan Smith’s 2020 Hudl reel
Photo credit: NIL/Smith family; Donovan Smith