Published: November 27, 2009
Knights? Smith carries on family name
Greg Jones
High school sports editor
Freshman Jaylon Smith is a starting defensive end for Luers.
You?ve got to hand it to those Smiths, they come into a high school football career ready to contribute.
Following the lead of big brother Rod, Bishop Luers freshman Jaylon Smith is playing beyond his years in helping his team?s quest for a Class 2A state championship.
Both were bigger than a lot of players their age when they started playing in high school. When senior Rod Smith was starting out for Harding, he was listed at 6-foot-2, 197 pounds, while Jaylon Smith is 6-2, 180.
?I have a lot of shoes to fill, but I am up for it,? Jaylon Smith said. ?I get a lot of advice from Rod, working in the backyard with him, that?s where it all started. It is in my genes, I guess.?
In 2006, Rod Smith ran for 1,800 yards at running back in leading Harding to a 2A title with a 20-7 win over Southridge at the RCA Dome.
Rod Smith, an Ohio State recruit, went on to have a stellar career with the eighth-best rushing total in state history with 6,625 yards and is the all-time leading rusher in SAC history.
Jaylon Smith is the starting defensive end for the Knights and has 69 tackles (12 for loss), seven sacks and an interception.
?I didn?t expect to play varsity at first,? Jaylon Smith said. ?I was just so amazed (the coaches) had me out there. I have been just working hard to help improve the team.?
