In his first varsity start nearly two years ago, DL/TE Nick Smith of Canton GlenOak High School (OH) recorded 9 tackles, 2 sacks, and 2 batted down passes. From the moment he stepped on the field he has been making major contributions for the Canton GlenOak football program and it has earned him some serious looks from some major Division I football programs.
Smith has already received offers from Ohio University and Bowling Green. He will be camping at Ohio State, Indiana, Michigan State, and has already been to the Penn State Nike combine.
Plagued by injury last season, Smith recorded 20 tackles in 3 games at defensive end and had 7 receptions for 75 yards at tight end. Playing both the defensive end position and the tight end position gives an indication of his versatility, quickness, and agility. Even though he plays on the offensive side of the ball for Canton GlenOak, his goal is to be a defensive end in college.
Smith is a strong, physical player measuring 6’6 ½” and tipping the scales at 265. He realizes, too, there are some things he could work on before being successful on the college field. “I need to work on strength, get faster if I want to be a defensive end (currently runs a 4.92 forty), and get stronger mentally. There have been a couple games where I have made some mental errors, but I just worked on it during the week and cleaned up for it,” Smith explains.
Smith comes from an Ohio State family, and he would be honored to suit up in the Scarlet and Gray one day. However, he also has a high interest in the Penn State, Louisville, and Indiana programs and is not ruling those out. Smith plans on studying business or marketing in college.
Nick’s inspiration on the football field is Hall of Famer Howie Long. “Howie is my favorite player of all time, probably because he is one of the best defensive players ever. I have always been a Raiders fan,” explains Nick.
What was it like for him then back in January, being a Raiders fan?
“Oh, man. I don’t even want to talk about it. There were so many close plays in that game. It’s ok though, they will be back in it next year.”
Nick Smith could be one of those players who will generate a lot of talk if he stays away from injury this season. Ranked 34th in the spring Ohio’s Future Stars top 100, he has the potential to be a big time player.