Team

Howland

Record	Div.	Conf.
1/9	Div. III	All-American Conference Red Tier

Howland senior known for running is pretty good on defense as well

By Tom Williams

williams@vindy.com

HOWLAND

You might think that a running back with a Big Ten scholarship would avoid the defensive side of the ball as much as possible.

Not Howland’s De’Veon Smith, whose fourth season includes inside linebacker responsibilities.

“Putting a hit on somebody instead of getting hit is kind of exciting,” said Smith, who has committed to the University of Michigan.

Although the senior has rushed for 5,471 yards in 36 varsity games, Smith said he likes playing on both sides of the ball.

“It really doesn’t matter where — they could put me on the D-line and I would try to do my best,” the 5-foot-11, 218-pound Smith said.

Still, it’s hard to argue against the notion that Smith’s main contribution to the Tigers comes on offense. In last week’s season opener, Smith rushed 17 times for 328 yards and three touchdowns as Howland blasted Ashtabula Lakeside, 43-16.

“With a back like De’Veon, the defense keys on him,” quarterback Eric Lockney said. “Of course, our game plan is always to get him the ball. As soon as we started giving him the ball, it brings the defense and that’s when we start opening up our passing game, [maybe] make it a little more even of an attack this year.”

The Tigers have much less experience this year than in recent seasons, with just two starters returning on defense and three on offense.

“He’s a special young man, mostly because of his work attitude and his commitment to the team,” Howland coach Dick Angle said. “In a world where it’s ‘me, me, me,’ he’s a pleasant young man to be around because he’s totally into the team. He’s totally into winning as a team.”

Lockney said Smith inspires the younger players with his work ethic.

“He’s been a leader of this team ever since I came up as a sophomore,” the senior quarterback said. “He spoke like a leader, not only verbally, but he shows it out on the field, too.”

Angle said Smith’s talents were evident at an early age. His family might have something to do with that.

“I think [when he was] in the fifth grade, I saw that De’Veon had the potential to be a Big Ten athlete,” Angle said. “Seeing the work ethic of both of his brothers — Maurice and Lance — I knew that he was coming out of a family who knew how to work.”

Maurice Smith (Class of 2002) was a fullback and linebacker for Howland and earned a scholarship to Michigan State. He eventually transferred to Youngstown State, where he played linebacker.

Lance Smith (Class of 2006) played tailback and cornerback for the Tigers. He received a scholarship to Wisconsin before transferring to Memphis.

“I wish I could have played with them, but they were so much older than me,” said De’Veon of Maurice and Lance. “They did motivate me to become a better player.”

When he was young, Smith said he’d watch tapes of his brothers’ games and Lance would tease him.

“Lance would see me and say, ‘I don’t know why you’re doing that — it’s going to be hard trying to beat me,’ ” Smith said. “That really motivated me to try and be better than both of them.”

Smith said he was too young to understand how well Maurice played in high school.

“I just knew that he scored touchdowns,” Smith said. “When Lance was in high school, I knew that he was a really good player — really athletic and really agile and fast.”

Angle said Lance works in Chicago and Maurice in Detroit.

Smith’s role in the spotlight brings challenges.

“People may say I’m a marked man, but I’m not the only person on the team,” Smith said. “[Opponents have] got to worry about Eric Lockney, Chris Maze, Brendan Cope, our line, our tight ends, our fullbacks — they have to worry about everybody.”

The Tigers, who host Warren Harding tonight, have newcomers blocking for Smith: sophomore Mike Bell (left tackle), senior Ben Falfas (left guard), senior Andrew Rolfe (center), senior Jack Finch (right guard) and senior Manoli Magiassos (right tackle).

“My teammates help me out a lot,” Smith said. “They keep me in my place. They make sure I’m always humble.”

The Harding showdown has the Tigers inspired.

“We’re like three minutes apart,” Smith said. “I grew up with a lot of [Harding players] and I have a couple of cousins playing for them {Roger Craig and Kaelyn Campbell].

“It’s a big rivalry for me and my team.”

Adding spice to the mixture is how several of first-year Raiders coach Steve Arnold’s assistants used to be on Angle’s staff.

Then there’s his Michigan decision. Smith says he fell in love with the Wolverines’ colors (maize and blue) at an early age. His recruiting visit to Ann Arbor made a strong impression.

“I had a really good time and my Mom [Audreana] and my family enjoyed themselves,” said Smith, whose family in Michigan includes a grandmother and aunt. “Maurice lives 20 minutes off campus, so if I ever get homesick, I can go see them.”

Smith hasn’t chosen a major to study in college, but physical therapy and sports management are possibilities. His favorite subject is math.

“I really enjoy math maybe because all of my teachers have made it fun for me,” Smith said. “And math to me comes easy.”

Especially on the football field where his numbers — including 48 touchdowns — are impressive.

“Everyone should have the opportunity to coach a young man like that,” Angle said. “Some guys are more special off the field than on, and he’s one of them. Certainly, God has blessed him with fine athletic ability, he’s got a mother who keeps him straight and keeps him pushing in the right direction.

“He’s determined to be successful on and off the field and he’s a tremendous team player — that’s what separates him from a lot of superstars. He doesn’t care about the individual statistics. He cares about the final score.”

Smith offers high praise for Angle’s guidance.

“He’s been in my life for 11-12 years — a mentor, father figure,” Smith said. “I really look up to him.”

Asked about Angle’s demeanor, Smith said, “He can joke around a lot.”

But when he’s serious?

“He’s real serious.”

Any concern about Smith wearing down? Not really, Lockney said.

“We try to give him breaks here and there, but he’s a big part of our defense,” Lockney said. “He’s out there quite a bit.”