From Vype magazine:
Brandon Smith is ready for an expanded role this fall. The 6-foot, 215-pounder with 4.6 speed, served as a complementary weapon in Lonoke’s pass-happy offense in 2008.

The Jackrabbits could stay on the ground more this year without departed quarterback Rollins Elam and star receivers Clarence Harris and Michael Howard.

Smith (more than 900 rushing yards last fall) and classmate, fullback Morgan Linton (6-0, 240), make running the ball an appealing option for new coach Doug Bost.

“Our running game is going to be proficient. That looks like that is going to be our strong point,” Smith said. “We are going to run the ball more.”

Smith worked in the spring to make it easier on quarterbacks Michael Nelson and Jacob Taylor, who are fighting for the starting job. “I told them how to hand the ball off, and what to look for,” he said. “Sometimes they took it the wrong way, but most of the time they liked it.”

“It’s going to be hard trying to replace Rollins Elam,” Smith said. “We are going to have an unproved quarterback. We are going to spend a lot of time training everybody because me and Morgan Linton are the only returning starters.”

The potent running game could eventually open up the passing game for one of the inexperienced quarterbacks.

“(Running) can’t be the game plan for every game,” Smith said. “We are still looking for the right quarterback because we are going to have to pass. We have some receivers. One of those guys is going to have to step up to the plate.”

Smith, the MVP of the VYPE Southwest Combine last April, also bolsters a defense that only returns four starters. Smith, who shifts from the outside to middle linebacker, returned an interception for a 51-yard touchdown against Stuttgart last fall.

An rigorous offseason has prepared Smith to be a force on both units. He’s not worried about lofty expectations.


“I’m just used to the pressure,” said Smith, a member of the 4A All-VYPE Squad. “I just love playing football. I feel comfortable out there.

Not only will Smith try to help the Jackrabbits to a deep postseason run, he hopes to land a college scholarship. Arkansas, Arkansas State, Tulsa, Ole Miss, Houston and Louisiana Tech showed interest.