Update Interview with 2020 Mission Hills All-CIF WR Joe Smith

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The 2018 season was a breakout year for Class of 2020 receiver/return specialist Joe Smith. The rising Mission Hills star athlete secured 56 passes for 870 yards with seven scores going up on the board and toted the rock 18 times for 217 yards with four more touchdowns. He proved to be a game changer on special teams as well blistering opposing Division I California squads with three kick returns taken back to the house. The 5-10, 170-pound, speed burner earned first team All-Avocado League and second team All-CIF honors for the work put in on the gridiron.

With 7v7 and national camp action heating up, I sat down with the 3.8 GPA student-athlete for an update on his workouts and busy upcoming schedule.

*Click link for Sept. 11, 2018, RNG interview with Joe Smith

Interview

Joe, when we last spoke the season was heating up for you. Looking back, how did the 2018 season go overall for you?

“The season went well. I finished the season leading my team in receiving and touchdowns. I played well, and I had some big games.”

Which game last season was your best?

“My breakout game was the fourth game of the season against Ramona (won 21-13).”

What did you do well in that game to make it your breakout game?

“I think I had 300 or 400 all-purpose yards, and I even had a kick return for a touchdown called back.”

Nice. Which areas of your game improved the most last season?

“That’s a good question. What improved the most in my game was probably my understanding of defenses and coverages. That helped my route running. My quickness helped as well. But, knowing how to get open against different routes might have been my biggest area of improvement.”

What are you working on this offseason?

“I am working on gaining weight, working on my speed, and most importantly working on route running and releases. I want to run my routes better against all coverages.”

I know you are playing 7v7 ball with Premium this spring. How is that going?

“We have played in two tournaments so far. We went undefeated in one and in the Passing Downs tournament we lost to Ground Zero. We have the Vegas Pylon Tournament this weekend and the San Diego Pylon Tournament next weekend.”

Where are you seeing improvements in your game playing 7v7?

“The biggest improvement is my route running and my releases. When DBs press you in 7v7, they get ridiculously close. I’ve been working on that and my hands too.”

Are you going to compete at any national camps this offseason?

“Yes. I was invited to Nike Regional in Oakland, I will visit Cal then. I went to the Adidas camp last weekend and I have been invited to Polynesian Combine. I have also been invited to compete at the Under Armour All-American Camp as well.”

I am always interested to find out about recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?

“I am receiving interest from Oregon, Cal, Washington, UCLA, UMass, and Arizona State. Yale and Army just recently asked for my transcripts.”

That’s great news. You have the Cal visit planned, do you plan on visiting any other schools this offseason?

“Yes. I am planning on visiting Oregon. I have been talking to Coach Mario Cristobal (head coach). During my spring break in April, I plan on going up there.”

That’ll be fun. Last couple of questions. For the offseason to have been successful, what all do you hope to accomplish before the 2019 season begins?

“I want to get the most exposure for my play at these camps as I can. I want to perform well in the one-on-ones to showcase what I can do for college coaches.”

What is motivating you to accomplish your goals?

“My dad. He works with me a lot, he wants it as bad as I do. Honestly, I am scared of failure, that motivates me. I don’t want to let myself or my dad down.”

Joe, always great catching up with you. I appreciate your time today and wish you luck at the upcoming 7v7 tournaments.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Smith family; Joe Smith Premium 7v7