One to Watch Interview with Rising 2020 San Diego WR Joe Smith

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Most Division-I southern California teams get overshadowed by the private school teams in the Trinity League, but there is a heck of a lot of talent, not only in the Los Angeles and Orange County areas, but also down in San Diego. During the 2017 season, Mission Hills High School (San Marcos) was one of those teams (12-1) coming out of the Avocado League no one wanted to play. That unwillingness to lineup against the Grizzlies continues forward thanks to talents like Class of 2020 receiver Joe Smith.

Full season stats have not been released on Smith, but in a few games into the 2018 season, he has already racked up 20 receptions for 430 yards with two touchdowns. The 5-9, 170-pound, speedster is also showcasing his athleticism on special teams where he has an estimated 130 kick return yards off seven attempts and 130 punt return yards off six totes with a 60-yarder taken back to the house.

College coaches are starting to take notice of Smith. After transferring from Cathedral Catholic for his sophomore season with the Grizzlies, having to sit out five games due to CIF transfer rules, Smith was relegated to a backup role behind Class of 2018 receiver/corner Chris Olave, a signee with the Ohio State Buckeyes. The call has gone out to Smith to fill some big shoes in 2018, and he has answered it through the first four games of the season each and every time.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the rising stars out of the San Diego area to learn more about his overall game.

Interview

Joe, how has your junior season started off?

“This year, I am a looking to improve upon last year. This year is going well. I am doing well on offense, and I am looking for a big year.”

Where all are you lining up on the field?

“Receiver and slot, kick and punt returner, and I am getting some snaps in at running back in certain sets.”

How are the Grizzlies coaches utilizing you on offense?

“They get me the ball in the slot and on the outside, especially at running back. They are helping me find the one-on-one match-ups where I can make plays. If we go four wide, I will be the single receiver to the outside. My coaches are always trying to find the match up for me.”

Where are you seeing the biggest improvements in your game this year over last season?

“The biggest improvements in my game are my understanding of defenses and coverages. This is helping me find the open spots in the defense. My route running and my speed are improved; I ran a 4.52 40 at Hall Of Fame Camp this summer. My hands are better. My overall awareness on the field is better. This is helping me run my route based on how I am being covered. My blocking has improved a lot too.”

You guys opened the season with three very tough teams (Paramount, Westlake, and Chaminade), of those three games, which was your best game and what did you do well?

“Paramount was my best. I returned the ball well on kick and punt returns in that game. I almost broke a kick return for a score. My receiving was good in that one as well. I was over 100 yards receiving and I had a 70-yard touchdown. That was my best game so far.”

Of the three games, which was the toughest for you and how did that match-up help make you a better receiver?

“The toughest was probably against Westlake. I was going against Kamren Fabiculanan a lot that game. He is a really good cornerback. He is committed to Washington. He is not an average defensive back. He knew how I ran my routes from 7v7 with Premium. But, that helped me. He was picking up on the little things I was doing and how I was breaking coming off the line. We talked afterwards, and he gave me some tips on what I was doing to help me going forward.”

That was nice of Kamren to do.

“Yes, sir. It was.”

On Friday, you guys got a big win over Carlsbad (24-21), how did the game go for you?

“That game went really well. I almost broke another kick return for a touchdown. My receiving went well. I had a 50-yard touchdown. I had 90 yards total for game. I had a good block on our game winning drive to spring our receiver for the game winning touchdown. I had the game winning touchdown, but they called it back on a penalty.”

Did you get a chance to showcase your skills at any college camps this summer?

“I went to Redlands – Washington and Colorado, Azusa Pacific, and some local camps in San Diego.”

Of all the camps, which was your best camp performance?

“The Redlands camp with Oregon, UCLA, and Washington. I had colleges take my information to keep in touch with me after that camp.”

Nice transition. Which schools are showing recruiting interest?

“UCLA, USC, Tennessee, Arizona, Arizona State, and UMass are showing interest.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?

“Yes. I went to USC over the summer.”

Are you playing any other sports for Mission Hills?

“I am running track this year.”

Last couple of questions. What personal goals have you set for the 2018 season?

“My personal goals are to improve as a receiver to help my team win. I want to get 1,300-plus receiving yards and 13-plus touchdowns.”

Which upcoming games are you excited to play?

I’m excited to play Ramona (Sept. 14). I believe I will go off in that game. San Marcos (Oct. 26) is our rival, that is always a big game. Torrey Pines (Oct. 5), that will be physical. They are our next toughest game.”

Joe, great covering the season with you so far, good luck with the rest of the year.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Cathrine Ingle; No. 1 Joe Smith