Flagstaff’s Spencer Smith joins a new role | Local

“As an outside backer, many of his reads and keys and responsibilities are based on the defensive end in front of him. So he understands how they work together and complement each other. And now he knows both positions and how they can help each other to succeed, ”said Manning.

Smith’s love of defense, and the physical aspect in particular, began when he started playing full-contact soccer in eighth grade. He wasn’t as skilled as he wanted to be, but dedicated himself to the weight room and practice. In his sophomore year, he made an in-season leap from JV to uni when the coaches saw his skills.

It was an offensive game indeed that caught the eye of Manning, who was on the Eagles’ JV team in Smith’s sophomore year.

“The first time I saw him he was in a JV game and hit an intersection route here on 30, three kids bounced right off him and he ran them to touchdown. And physically he looked dominant, ”said Manning.

Now Smith has grown into his role in defense, though he will likely also play as the Eagles’ full-back on many offensive snapshots.

Defense is the focus, however, as he believes his best chance to play college football after that academic year is as an outside linebacker or a defensive end-linebacker hybrid.

While Smith will act from scratch in his graduation film, Manning said he had conversations with college recruitment staff who showed promise. If he’s productive at any point in the defense, getting college looks bodes well for Smith.

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