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By Scott Eklund
JCFootball.com
Posted Oct 12, 2007


Versatile prospects are always sought by four-year programs and East Los Angeles ATH Antoine Smithson (6-1, 205) has seen his recruitment pick up in recent weeks. He's played four different roles for the Huskies and he spoke to JCFootball.com recently about the season and where he sees himself playing at the next level.

"I've played receiver, quarterback and safety and I've been returning kicks and punts," Smithson told JCFootball.com recently. "I played wideout for the first four games, but our quarterback actually quit so they moved me to quarterback and I've been there the last few weeks."

In a loss to Allan Hancock, Smithson had a huge game, rushing for 262 yards and throwing for 100.

"I had a good game individually, but we lost so it's just a matter of us getting better and continuing to work hard," Smithson said. "We'll get it down and start playing better and our offense will start clicking pretty soon too."

As a receiver, Smithson had been a big threat for the Huskies, posting 22 receptions for 361 yards and four touchdowns while rushing for 137 yards on 26 carries as well.

"I think I'll probably end up playing receiver at the next level, but I can play anywhere," Smithson said. "I just want to play and compete and get out there and help a team win. That's the most important thing."

Smithson prepped at Frederick Douglas High School in Dunbar, Maryland and signed with West Virginia, but academics held him back.

"That was frustrating, but I think it's worked out well for me," Smithson said. "My cousin was going to Pierce out here in L.A., but then the coaches moved over here to East L.A. so I followed them here."

To go along with his impressive size, Smithson also had excellent quickness and speed (4.5) to go along with a determination to get better all the time.

"I worked real hard this offseason on everything," Smithson said. "I ran, got stronger and focused on my quickness"

On the recruiting front, Smithson has started to hear from several schools including West Virginia again, USC, Clemson, LSU, Alabama and Virginia Tech.

"I was invited out to SC for their game last week and I went and watched it," Smithson said. "They lost, but the atmosphere was great and I love their team and how they play hard all the time."

Even though Smithson has only been at East Los Angeles for six months, he's been taking a full load of classes and said he expects to be able to leave in May with four to play three.

"If I don't get any offers I can come back next year, but I'm hoping I can leave this year," Smithson said. "I'd really like to go back to the east coast, but I just want a chance to play and to make a difference on team so I'll just wait and see what happens."

We'll have more on Smithson in the coming weeks.

Antoine Smithson Scout Profile