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By John Lachmann
NKyTribune contributor
Jacob Smith may not catch Steve Everson for Newport Central Catholic’s all-time rushing lead, but that does not mean he won’t go down as one of the Thoroughbreds’ most prolific running backs. The senior has rushed for 2,764 yards in three varsity seasons and he’s looking to win a state title this year before ending his NewCath career.
“We’re excited,” Smith said. “We know we’ve got a tough schedule, but I think this year we have a chance to beat all of those really good teams.”
NewCath senior running back Jacob Smith. (Photo by Cathy Lachmann)
Smith needs about 1,500 yards just to move into second place on the NewCath career rushing list. One record he does have a very realistic chance to surpass is the rushing touchdowns mark held by Chris Kelly with 65. Smith has 43 entering this fall.
“It would be pretty cool,” Smith said of setting the rushing TDs record. “I’ve thought about it, but my goal is just to win state.”
With a year left in his career, Smith already has NewCath’s all-time record for kickoff return yardage. His career rushing statistics have also been impressive.
As a freshman, Smith rushed for 267 yards on 47 carries, scoring five touchdowns. He was a 1,000-yard rusher in 2013, gaining 1,020 yards and finding the end zone 13 times on 190 carries. Last year, he ran the ball 207 times for 1,477 yards and 25 TDs. He also set career highs in receptions (23), receiving yards (361) and tied his personal mark for touchdown catches (3).
“(Smith) goes sideways as well as anybody I’ve seen – it’s the lateral movement – and he doesn’t miss a beat on his speed,” said NewCath coach Dan Wagner. “Everson was a special talent as well. Steve was a little more straight-ahead run through you, but I’d take either one of them.”
In his three seasons with the Thoroughbreds, Smith also has 49 receptions for 805 yards and six scores. Wagner said his receiving role will likely expand this season.
“But at the same time you don’t want to wear him out,” Wagner said. “(Opponents) are going to have to honor him receiving — getting him out in space I’ll take my chances.”
Wagner said that Smith has worked hard in the weight room this off-season, gaining at least 10 pounds of muscle. The coach has also noticed a change in the running back’s attitude. Early in his career, Smith would occasionally take a sprint off during practice, but Wagner said his work ethic is top notch now.
“He’s turned himself into a leader and he’s worked his tail off,” Wagner said.
Smith said that in the past he had always been more of a lead-by-example player than a vocal one.
“(Coach) told me before the season that you need to lead this team and we’re going to ride you a lot this season,” Smith said.
Smith has drawn interest from Division I schools such as Eastern Kentucky and Ohio University, which contact him nearly every day, Wagner said.
One of the things impressing colleges is Smith’s yards-per-carry average. He rushed at a 7.1-yard clip in 2014 against a schedule consisting of bigger non-district opponents. In terms of scheduling, this year will be no different for NewCath. The Thoroughbreds will face Scott, Cooper and Campbell County to open the season and will also play state powers Belfry and Beechwood.
NEWPORT CENTRAL CATHOLIC THOROUGHBREDS
COACH: Dan Wagner (18-11 in two seasons).
2014 SEASON: 8-6 record, lost in Class 2A state championship game.
THIS SEASON: Class 2A, District 6 with Holy Cross, Lloyd, Newport.
2015 SCHEDULE
Aug. 21 – at Scott, 7 p.m.
Aug. 28 – COOPER, 7 p.m.
Sept. 4 – at Campbell County, 7 p.m.
Sept. 11 – at Belfry, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 18 – at Harrison County, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 25 – CONNER, 7 p.m.
Oct. 9 – at Holy Cross, 7 p.m.
Oct. 16 – LLOYD, 7 p.m.
Oct. 23 – at Newport, 7 p.m.
Oct. 30 – at Beechwood, 7 p.m
See these NKyTribune prep football reviews:
Bishop Brossart High School
Ludlow High School
Campbell County High School
Highlands High School
Dixie Heights
Bellevue
Newport
