Casting a Large Shadow

We arrived at Walsh Jesuit High School in Cuyahoga Falls, OH to meet Team USA offensive lineman Brian Smith. It’s not hard to pick Smith out as we head through the cafeteria. Matt and I have interviewed some of the young men who will be battling in the trenches for Team USA, and Smith at 6′7 275-lbs is one of the biggest. He towers over his coach, Gerry Rardin, as well as me and Matt.

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The Northwestern-bound senior is a mammoth addition to a already impressive offensive line. As we made our way to the coach’s office, Smith catches the attention of everyone in the cafeteria. He usually does, but this time it was not because of his size, but rather because of the Team USA jersey on his massive shoulders and a smile as wide as the Cuyahoga River.

“To wear red, white, and blue and to have USA on your chest is a great honor, ” remarked Smith. “I thought you had to be able to run on a track, or swim in a pool to do that.” An aspiring journalist who will play for Pat Fitzgerald at Northwestern next season, Smith was already following Matt and I on the Team USA website.

Asked about the upcoming IFAF Junior World Championship, Smith said,”There is no better way for me to be ready for two-a-days at Northwestern.”

As a member of the Junior National Team, Smith is looking forward to playing with some of the best football players in the nation. Although, he doesn’t consider himself one of them, his accolades and accomplishments at Walsh Jesuit tell a different story. Second-team All-State (Ohio Division III-IV) offensive lineman and 2008 second-team All-Northeast Ohio honoree, and Akron Touchdown Club first-team all-star.

Coach Gerry Rardin called Smith a dominant player with great athletic ability for a man of his size. Smith is an explosive run blocker, as well as pass protector who is technically sound. “Brian will be a great ambassador for our own school as well as represent our country well,” the proud coach beamed.

We learned that it was his final day here at Walsh Jesuit, as Smith will shadow reporters from the Cleveland Plain-Dealer for the next three week as part of the school’s Senior Experience. But, then again, Smith casts a shadow on everyone. See you in Canton, Brian!

-Mick