Preps special
On the line: Gary Smith
"It's the best position to be playing on the field, because you get to be mean and nasty."
By JAMAL THALJI
Published September 3, 2004
The Lineup:
Offense: Strongside Tackle
Defense: Strongside End
6 feet 200 pounds
Senior
Smith is the latest in a long line of strong-willed, tough-guy, take-no-prisoner country boys manning Zephyrhills' trenches. He made the varsity his freshman year and combines everything coach Tom Fisher wants: strength, speed, skill and tenacity. "He's strong and he's quick," Fisher said. "He can get off the block and stay on the block. He's not that big, but he's mobile and experienced."
The senior relishes run blocking and combines footwork and skill to pull and get outside. The Bulldogs' coaches buy steaks for the lineman of the week, whoever racks up the most pancakes. Smith ate six steaks last season. "It's all about endurance," he said. "It doesn't matter how big you are, if you've got the meanness and the endurance then you're going to beat them."
Fisher doesn't want to play him on defense, but Smith's too good not to go both ways. "Some of these kids need to look at him," Fisher said, "and say "I've got to follow him and try to be where he's at.' "
[Last modified September 1, 2004, 08:55:15]
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