Busy Badin starter: ‘I like the pressure’

Staff photo by Nick Graham Badin junior Jeff Smith during practice Monday, Aug. 17, 2009 at Badin High School.

As one of Rams’ best players, Smith will have a hand in all phases of the game this season.

By Rick Cassano, Staff Writer Updated 8:14 AM Thursday, August 20, 2009

HAMILTON — Badin High School junior Jeff Smith plans to rest at a specific time each game night this season.

Halftime.

Beyond that, Smith expects to be very busy as a member of the Rams football squad. He’s a two-way starter and part of every special team.

“I’m not coming off the field,” Smith said. “I’m kind of flattered because obviously it means the coaches think I can do it, and I think I can do it. It’s definitely going to be some added pressure, but it’s good. I like that. I like the pressure.”

Smith will start at wide receiver and cornerback for Badin, and he figures to be a consistent threat returning punts and kickoffs.

Rams coach Bill Tenore said Smith is a playmaker who simply needs to be on the field.

“In every phase of the game, especially special teams, I believe we have to put our best players out there,” Tenore said. “In high school football, I’ve found that special teams really make the difference. A lot of folks don’t emphasize that enough.”

Smith is well regarded at his two starting positions, even though he just began playing both last season.

A standout quarterback through the years, Smith only played a little at that position in 2008 as senior Zach Toerner became the school’s all-time leading passer. Smith, meanwhile, earned a spot on the Greater Catholic League Central Division first team as a defensive back.

This season, Smith is once again set to watch somebody else play quarterback. That’s junior Patrick Coyne, a transfer from La Salle.

“Part of me was like, ‘Yeah, I want to play quarterback,’ ” Smith said. “But then the other part of me was like, ‘If he’s better, it’s obviously going to work out better for the team.’ ”

So does he consider Coyne the better QB?

“I’ll just say we’ve got different styles,” Smith said. “I’m more of a shaky kind of quarterback when I run. He’s more of a I’ll-run-you-over type of guy. He’s definitely got the stronger arm. I kind of just get enough on it to get it there, but he’s got some zip on his ball.”

He knows about that zip as one of the receivers Coyne is eyeing on a regular basis. Smith likes catching the ball and making plays in that manner. He’s just more accustomed to being the thrower.

“Playing wide receiver with this kind of spread offense is definitely fun,” Smith said.

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