De’Veon Smith | Howland football (offense)

The Big Ten blood has been all in the family for the Smith clan of Howland. Maurice signed with Michigan State and Lance with Wisconsin in the early 2000’s. Now, baby brother, De’Veon is carrying on the tradition although his older siblings transferred later in their careers.

“They actually impacted me a lot,” he said. “Teaching me what’s right and what’s wrong. And to stay focused— if you keep on working hard for your goals your going to achieve them.”

Family values helped decide his college decision.

“I felt right at home with Michigan,” Smith said of his future home in Ann Arbor. “Walking down the tunnel, it gave me chills like I never got before.”

Often times over the past four years, area football fans said Smith provided highlights like they’ve never seen before. In 2012, he ran for 1,751 yards and 26 touchdowns. He wraps up a fantastic career at Howland with 80 TDs and 6,619 rushing yards — a Trumbull County record.

“Hopefully it stays in there forever,” he said, with a laugh.

Although Smith is moving on to the winningest program in Division I history, he won’t forget the friendships and memories he made as a Tiger.

“I’ll miss seeing all my coaches and clowning around with my friends in the hallways,” Smith said.

He’s undecided on a major, but in five years he’s praying for a call to the NFL.