Focused Feature: Jeremy Smith, Jenkins High School

By Melissa Maikos        
    He loves football and his momma, Quiana Atkins, affectionately known as “Q” who is also his biggest fan. “My mother had a big influence on me, she never missed a game, the road trips she got me there, anything I needed she got for me. She’s a big supporter, big love and I love her for that.” And thanks to his Mom and his passion for the pigskin, Jenkins High School’s Jeremy Smith has solidified himself as one to reckon with on the high school gridiron.
    Jeremy found his love of football at the age of 9. He started playing pee wee football to hang out with his friends. He continued his game in middle school and that’s when his talent started to shine bright like the lights on Friday night in Fall.  Smith started to get serious about his game, attending camps, playing in a future stars summer league and coaches started to take notice.
    He currently has offers from Marshall, Tulane, Coastal Carolina, and Mercer. That list is sure to grow after an explosive start to his senior campaign. The senior running back and defensive back kicked off his final season in a warrior uniform in style.  Through two games he’s found the end zone three times and is averaging over a hundred yards rushing.
His football stats are “off the chain” however, his academics are even more impressive, with a 25 on the ACT and a solid A average in the classroom, hitting the books comes first for Mr. Smith. “College recruiting has been good, but once you get into it, you have to look at the college and see how the academics are to prepare for life after football.”
Smith said it’s been a dream of his to go to the next level and play college football and beyond, however, if he doesn’t make it to the National Football League, his back up plan isn’t so shabby! He plans on studying Sports Medicine.
    But the big question is, where will Mr. Smith be taking his talents? He remains closed lip on that one, but stay tuned because he said he may sign during the early signing period. Regardless of when he commits, his school of choice will gain a tremendous athlete, scholar, and a new #1 fan in Momma Q.

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