Florida 2024 power back with speed Antwan Smith Jr. setting fall officials
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Just turn on the tape – that’s all you have to do; the rest is self-explanatory. Antwan Smith Jr. (6-0, 221) is a rare commodity these days, a power back with game breaking speed. Pushing the pigskin down the opposition’s throat for Miami’s Booker T. Washington, Smith has 10 offers on the table with more possibilities brewing ahead of a big senior run.
The Tornadoes got 1,530 yards with 21 touchdowns on the ground off Smith during his junior campaign. Getting to show flashes of being that versatile tailback, he caught four passes for 35 yards with one additional score. Going back to the 2021 season, Smith snagged five passes for 57 yards turning two of those catches into athletic scores.
Details of the Tornadoes’ offense were shared, “We are running a Spread offense. We have some power formations for goal line and short yardage plays.”
Washington will continue to use their tailback as a north and south runner this season, but more options are opening in the passing game to get Smith one-on-one with defensive backs and linebackers. When the lights turn on for the upcoming season, Smith will be ready.
“I’ve been working on my hips, making defenders miss, and being more explosive,” Smith stated.
Beyond the speed, a posted 11.1 in the 100, Smith was asked what separates him from other running backs in his class.
“Making defenders miss, using my hands, and I am really good in open space,” Smith shared. “I am a hard guy to tackle.”
Appalachian State, FIU, FAU, Liberty, James Madison, and Louisiana-Monroe are some of the offers placed on the table with UCF, Pitt, and Jacksonville State showing interest.
Smith listed the teams making the most contact, “James Madison, Appalachian State, and FAU.”
Further working on his craft with his teammates, the Tornadoes did a massive two-week summer swing competing in college-held 7-on-7 tournaments.
“We camped for two weeks straight playing in 7-on-7 tournaments,” Smith said. “We started at Miami, in my hometown, then we went to FAU, UCF, Florida, FSU, FAMU (Florida A&M), Georgia, Georgia State, Kennesaw State, Georgia Tech, Alabama, and Auburn.”
An unofficial game-day with the Owls this fall is in the works. One official visit with the Dukes is set for Oct. 28.
“I have one OV set for JMU vs. ODU; it is their homecoming that week,” Smith stated. “I can’t wait to see it.”
Smith continued sharing his likes in JMU’s program, “I am loving their fans, they have a crazy fanbase. My team runs a similar offense to theirs. Their coaching staff seems genuine.”
Three other teams could play host to Smith on officials this fall as well.
“FAU, App State, and Toledo,” Smith shared.
Smith gave insight into his interest in the three contending official visit spots.
FAU: “I’m liking how much they are working. Every time I am on the phone with them, they are showing me film. I got to see what their spring practices are about, how they work, and I learned about their leadership. Their coaches love me.”
Appalachian State: “I know coach Frank Ponce (OC), he has a good relationship with my head coach. We have a former Booker T. coach there as well, a QB coach. He gives me tips on what to work on.”
Toledo: “I have been talking to them for almost a year; they finally offered me. Their running back, Jacquez (Stuart), I train with him; that is how we got connected.”