Interview: 2021 Texas WR Hunter Smith Taking Advantage of Go-To Status at Heritage
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
High school seniors are supposed to be at the peak of their abilities on the field showcasing to all their finely tuned talents for the time put in over the past three years. For Class of 2021 receiver Hunter Smith, he is hitting his stride at the right time helping Frisco’s Heritage High School to a 3-3 start against 5A Texas squads. The Coyotes finished the 2019 campaign with three wins while their emerging talent was targeted just 15 times for 155 yards with one score. This season, the 6-4, 205-pound, receiver has already hauled in 22 covering 280 yards with three touchdowns going up on the big board. With the new status of a go-to guy in the team’s Spread offense, Smith has drawn in three scholarship offers with interest building.
In an RNG first-look interview, Smith stopped by the RNG filling us in on his breakout performance during his senior run.
Interview
Hunter, you are in the middle of a breakout season and the Coyotes have already matched the win total from last season. What’s been working so well for the team up to this point showing improvement from last season?
Where we are mentally. Last year, I don’t know if we were all bought it. This year, from the offseason, we wanted to become better. We wanted our students to be proud too. They were not wanting to come to our games. We put in a lot of work and bought in to our coaches’ philosophy.
What style of offense are the Coyotes running this year?
It is a Spread.
How are your talents being utilized within the scheme?
If they are blitzing a lot, we throw it deep. If they are pressing back, we have a great running back, Shawnon Wara, he takes it. We have under routes and short routes. We take what the defense is giving us.
Where are you lining up within the scheme?
I play mainly outside, sometimes inside to run a post or a corner.
Which routes are you going out on this season?
Comebacks, that is the main thing they throw to me, posts, go-routes, out routes, digs; almost every route.
What are some of the defensive fronts and coverages you guys are seeing?
We are seeing lot of Cover 2 and 3. The fronts we are seeing are four linemen with three backers. But each week it is something different.
To prepare for your senior year, what did you work on over the spring and summer months?
I worked on a lot of speed. With my 40, I got it down to a 4.5 from a 4.6. I worked on catching, route running, and chemistry with my quarterback.
With a bigger role in the offense, how are you seeing your skills take off as a receiving threat?
For me, it has been my confidence. Last year I was not targeted as much so I was not as sure of myself going against corners. Now, a jump ball is not a 50-50 ball, it is all me with my confidence. My route running has improved a lot. Our receivers’ coach, Coach Hooper, has helped me with that a lot.
There are four big games left on the schedule. What does the team need to do to win out for a great seed in the playoffs?
We need to continue doing what we’ve been doing and make less mistakes out there. We all know what we’ve been doing and how we can improve, especially from last game. In our last game, we could have been on top in that one without all the mistakes. Seeing that in our film session, we know what we need to do over the next four weeks.
Let’s talk recruiting. Which schools are showing interest but have not offered?
Eastern Michigan, Lamar, and Missouri Western.
Which programs have offered?
I have one from Hardin-Simmons (D-III), West Liberty (D-II), and Southern Missouri State (D-II).
Before the dead period began, did you get to take any visits?
Yes, I took one to Pitt State before the dead period. I also took a virtual visit to Lamar.
How did the Pitt State visit go?
That went well. They had us in the locker room; we were there for a game. We watched the game. It was cold that day. It was fun though.
Jumping to the classroom, what is your cumulative GPA?
3.09.
Do you play any other varsity sports for Heritage?
I am going to compete in track.
Which events?
I will run the 4×2, 4×1, and 200.
Last question. What did you do to celebrate Halloween?
I was staying safe with the virus, I hung out with players on the team. We made sure we did nothing to get exposed. It was fun. We were playing 2K.
Hunter, I appreciate your time today. Wishing you and the Coyotes a successful run to finish the season before the playoffs.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Smith family; Hunter Smith at Hardin Simmons (Oct. 2020)
Photo credit: Smith family; Hunter Smith (2020)