Interview: 3-Star 2021 California QB Donovan Smith Talks New Offense with Damien

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

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After a three-year run at Los Osos throwing for over 5,300 yards with 41 scores while rushing for 11 more touchdowns, Class of 2021 quarterback Donovan Smith is taking his talents to Damien High School for the upcoming season. The 6-3, 215-pound, three-star quarterback will be running a run-pass option scheme with the Spartans colliding against California Division IV squads in the Baseline League. The change will be followed by multiple teams showing interest with three scholarship offers extended.

In an RNG update interview, Smith stopped by the Lab for another one-on-one.

*Click the link for the June 29 RNG video interview with Donovan Smith

Interview

Donovan, how are the offseason workouts coming along?

My offseason workouts are going pretty good. I am at a new school now; I am at Damien. I have been lifting and going through the playbook.

When did you transfer to Damien?

About the end of August.

With the CIF transfer rules, are you going to have to sit any game?

No, we moved.

What offense will you be executing at Damien?

We run a lot of RPO (run-pass option), that is pretty much the whole playbook.

What are some of the routes in the offense?

There are some new ones for me that I am trying to learn. There are crossing routes, quick posts, slants and bubbles. I have been working on all that stuff.

Having interviewed you over the course of three years now, I know you are always hard at work fine-tuning your technique and skills. If you will, update us on the intricate parts of your workouts.

Now I am really just working on the mental part, knowing how to read defenses better, manipulate defenses with my eyes, and knowing protections. I am working on becoming a complete quarterback.

How are you pushing your understanding of the game forward this offseason?

I have been watching a lot of film with Coach JD, my new offensive coordinator coach, and on my own time look up YouTube videos to know where the holes are in coverages. 7v7 helps with that too.

Have you been playing in 7v7 tournaments?

Yeah, I’ve played in four tournaments. And I have one this weekend.

Where is the one this weekend?

I think it is in Palm Desert.

Besides playing in 7v7 tournaments, what are you doing to stay sharp for the season? Are you working with your receivers when possible?

Yes. I have been working with my receivers two to three times a week outside of practice. We’ve worked to develop that chemistry so we have the feel for on the field.

What is the Damien practice schedule?

At first, in September, it was two to four days a week, it all depended. Then we had a two-week break and were back on the ninth. Now, we are four days a week until December.

Going into recruiting. With all the oddities of this recruiting cycle, what’s your process? How are you viewing this?

My plan for this process is to stay patient, there is a school out there for everyone. I am focused on the season and letting everything play out. I cannot talk to anyone really, the NCAA keeps pushing the contact period back to Jan. 1. Once the season starts, I hope to hear from some schools.

You have the three offers from Boston College, Cal, and North Carolina Central, which schools are showing interest?

Some schools showing interest are Weber State, a lot, Utah, they are back in the mix, and Akron here and there.

If visits are allowed again in January, are there any programs you might go see officially and/or unofficially?

Yes, I want to go to Boise State, I was supposed to that back in February. I’d like to go there and to Oregon State.

Me knowing how skilled you are, what are a couple of things people out there might be overlooking with your talents and abilities?

They might overlook my arm talent. Last year, my film does not show how big my arm is; coaches may overlook that. They may overlook my speed in the pocket and my quick release. I feel that I have the quickest release in California.

Last question. Once the season gets going in January, what are you most excited to showcase to the fans and college scouts?

I’m most excited to show everyone what I have been working on this whole year. I have gotten a lot better, and I want to show I am the quarterback the schools need and want. This season, I want to show I can make plays in the pocket and outside or wherever, I can make those plays.

Donovan, it is always great catching up with you. Thanks for your time today and good luck at the 7v7 tournament this weekend.

Thank you.

Interview: 3-Star 2021 California QB Donovan Smith Talks College/Pro Day Workout

Photo credit: Chris Wallace/Smith family; Donovan Smith