By Jeff Devine
Dale County Chronicle
Dale County High School celebrated senior athlete Junior Smith on Wednesday, December 3, as he officially signed to continue his football career at Jacksonville State University. Smith has been one of the most versatile players to come through the Warriors’ program, spending time at tight end, wide receiver, and quarterback on offense while also contributing at defensive end.
Smith, rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports, chose the Gamecocks over offers from Liberty, North Alabama, Mercer, and Florida A&M. Although he played multiple positions in high school, JSU plans to use him primarily at tight end, with the possibility of seeing situational work on the defensive side of the ball.
Jacksonville State is currently in its first season under head coach Charles Kelly, a Wiregrass native and graduate of G.W. Long in Skipperville. The Gamecocks enter Friday’s Conference USA Championship Game with an 8-4 record.
Smith is a formidable and versatile athlete. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 220 pounds, Smith fought for and earned an exceptional athletic career at Dale County. Over the past three seasons, he totaled 3,035 yards combined rushing, passing, and receiving. Smith also scored 46 touchdowns in 26 games. His defensive stats for his senior year at DCHS are equally impressive, with double-digit sacks, multiple forced fumbles, and several key takeaways.
Smith did not just kill it at football. He also excelled on the basketball court as well, finishing his junior season as one of three finalists statewide for the Class 4A Player of the Year award..
During his signing ceremony, Smith expressed gratitude for those who supported him along the way. “It’s a blessing,” he expressed. “I also want to thank my mom, my dad, my teammates, my coaches, and the Jax State family for giving me this opportunity,” Smith added,
He said JSU felt like the “right fit” during his recruitment. “Coach Housewright and Coach Kelly were consistent through the whole process. When I visited, everybody was welcoming, and they showed me the ways I could help their program,” he added.
With regards to what type of athlete he considers himself to be, Smith describes himself as a physical and adaptable player. “I’m versatile. I can do whatever they need me to do…I’m ready to win.”
Though he has excelled in basketball, Smith said his competitive edge ultimately pushed him toward football. “I like being physical. In basketball, you only get five fouls. In football, I can hit all I want.”
He added that he first realized he could compete at a more advanced level as a child playing against older cousins. “By high school, once I got stronger and started working out more, it all came together.”
Looking ahead, Smith said his main goals at JSU incclude contributing, competing, and ftting iin with his new team. “I want to come in, make plays, and build good chemistry with the quarterback and the offensive line,” he added, pointing out that he is excited to get started on training and preparing for college-level football,
