Van Nuys (Calif.) Birmingham quarterback Trae Smith is looking for his first offer, but he’s hoping to see some come his way after helping turn around the Patriots program.
After a run of City Section titles in 2006 and 2007, a coaching change had Birmingham reeling for a stretch, but Smith helped rectify that in 2011.
“Prior to the 2011 season, the team was 5-15 the past two seasons,” said Smith. “With the help of good coaches and dedicated teammates, we were able to accomplish a comeback season, with a record of 9-3 and an undefeated league title. Unfortunately we lost in the second round of playoffs against Dorsey.”
Still, the improvement was there and Smith was a major key to that, throwing for 1,700 yards and 21 touchdowns and running for 450 yards with four touchdowns. More importantly, he managed the Patriots offense and helped them back into the playoffs.
A number of schools have caught notice of Smith too.
“I have received letters from USC, Air Force, Penn, Washington State, UNLV, Duke, Stony Brook, Lehigh, Iowa State, Dartmouth and Holy Cross,” said Smith.
And Smith isn’t just doing it on the football field, he’s getting it done in the classroom.
“Not only am I working on having a great football career, but I also thrive to be one of the top student-athletes in my graduating class of 2013,” said Smith.
Smith is headed to the Nike Camp in Los Angeles next month and the Elite 11 in Oakland in May as well as the NUC Elite 5-Star Showcase later this month.
“I am training with several coaches at my school to develop my foot-work and broaden my skills as an athlete. My main purpose of training during this off-season is to focus on more of my weaknesses so that I can strengthen my total package, rather than my strengths,” said Smith.