In our continued attempts to stave off the summer lull — and to keep this blog something resembling fresh — we bring you a new series: The 11 YAIAA football players you need to watch in 2011. Each day for the next week and a half, we’ll feature another of the league’s most promising talents. Think we missed somebody? Chime in using the comments section.
Brett Smith, QB/S, Delone Catholic
It almost seems unfair to pick one player from the Squires. This could one of three big time contributors Delone has returning: Brett Smith, along with backfield mates Colby McMaster and Tyler Smith.
I went with Brett Smith for a couple reasons. Even in a run-heavy offense like Delone’s, having a proven quarterback makes a huge, huge difference. Then there’s the way Smith finished last season. The then-sophomore cemented his place as the team’s signal caller; in his final six games, he completed 25 of 47 passes for 488 yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions. Hardly scoreboard-lighting stuff, but certainly tangible signs of progress.
Combine Brett Smith with McMaster and Tyler Smith — those two combined for 1,402 yards and 19 touchdowns on the ground — and Delone’s offense would seem to have a sturdy base heading into the season.
Also, let’s not forget Brett Smith’s defensive production last season: 67 tackles and a team-high five interceptions. Not bad for a sophomore.
2010 stats
Passing
33-of-66 (.500), 618 yards, 8 TDs, 5 INTs
Rushing
35 rushes, 103 yards, 2.94 avg. 1 TD
Defense
67 tackles (46 solo), 5 INTs
