Under the radar Wampus Cat QB readies for national spotlight
Exclusive interview with Breylin Smith
There is not much more a junior quarterback can do to help ensure his team’s success than what Breylin Smith did for Conway High School in 2014. The Wampus Cats finished the season 11-1, 8-0 in conference play, with their star in the making signal caller throwing for over 2,100 yards with 20 touchdowns against just five interceptions.
Conway just happened to go up against one of the other top teams in the state, Fayetteville, early in the playoffs ending a great season with a heartbreaking 42-35 loss.
Good news for Conway High School, the 6-foot 2-inch, 180 pound, quarterback with a gun for an arm will be back in 2015 to help improve upon the success the central Arkansas team had in 2014
In an exclusive interview Smith sat down to talk about the 2014 season, recruiting, and a look ahead to his senior season.
Breylin, first, congratulations on Conway’s successful 2014 season. What made the Wampus Cats one of the best teams in the state of Arkansas this season?
“Our defense was good, our offensive line was good and we had a good running back. We had a lot of good athletes out on the field this season that helped us win a lot of games.”
How does the team look heading into 2015?
“We have a lot of skill guys coming back. We will lose one running back but we have our biggest big play receiver and two more juniors that will be back next season. We should be good again next year.”
What do the Wampus Cats need to do to have another great season in 2015?
“Keep improving on the little details. We got better at it this year than we were last year. Doing the little things correctly makes a big difference in every game.
What are you looking to improve upon in the offseason?
“My accuracy is the main thing. The difference in hitting a receiver at his shoulder verses his waist and eliminating turnovers.”
What are your strengths on the field?
“Making sure everyone is in the right place. Making sure we are set and ready to go.”
What about from a performance standpoint?
“My arm strength and accuracy. I’m a pocket passer but I can pick up yards with my legs when I have to.”
How far can you throw the ball on a one-step drop?
“70-yards.”
With all of the success Conway had this season college coaches had to take notice in who was leading the offense. What schools are showing interest in you already?
“I have an offer from Central Arkansas and Arkansas, Arkansas State, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, Stanford, Texas, Oklahoma State, Notre Dame, and Auburn are all showing interest.”
When you’ve been in communication with the various schools what feedback have they given you on your skill set?
“They all like that I have a strong arm and how I handle myself throughout the game. They like that I am level headed and that I do not get worked up about stuff during the game.”
What are the main factors you will consider in choosing a college?
“One of the factors will be where I can play the earliest. I want to get out there and help whichever team I’m playing for as soon as I can.”
Is there a school that you like to watch that you have not heard from yet?
“Texas Tech, I really like their offense.”
What college camps do you intended to visit this summer?
“I’m planning on going to Texas, Oklahoma State, Georgia, and the Army All-American camp in January.”
What camps did you attend last summer?
“I went to the SMU, Arkansas, and Henderson State camps. I was invited and attended the Rivals Top 250 camp in Jacksonville also.”
What are your goals for your senior season?
“I want to win a state championship. We have to get back to improving upon the little things and taking care of the small details.”
What about personal goals? Do you want to throw for 3,000 yards or some high numbered stat line?
“No personal stat goals. I just want to win football games.”
What’s your favorite part of playing football?
“Winning, I love winning its fun… I just hate losing.”
After talking to Breylin for a couple of minutes one can easily pickup on what a great teammate he might be on and off the field. He’s relaxed and easy going. Once we started talking about the game of football, one can tell how focused he is on winning and what a great teammate he must be in the locker room, on the practice field, and in the huddle during a game. He’s focused, he knows what he wants, and is committed to the team’s success.
Whatever program Smith chooses to take his talents to at the next level as part of the 2016 recruiting class, that fan base and coaching staff will be getting a player truly committed to the success of their program, on and off the field.
Photo credit: Conway High School; Breylin Smith