Second chance
Howland’s Smith ready to impress at MemphisBy JOE SIMON Tribune Chronicle
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His cuts were so sharp players fell down 5 feet in front of him, his speed so blaring opponents stopped chasing once he had a step on them, and linebackers and defensive backs found out just how deceptive his power was as they picked themselves up off the ground.
It doesn't seem all that long ago that Lance Smith was one of the elite high school running backs in the country. He dominated teams at Howland High School and earned a scholarship to the University of Wisconsin, a school known for developing great running backs. He had a successful freshman season, and just when it appeared he was on track for greatness, things went terribly wrong.
Smith was charged with battery and disorderly conduct following an incident with his girlfriend in July of 2007 and was eventually dismissed from the Badgers' football team. It was at that point that most people wrote him off, figuring he would end up being another tremendous talent to never make it big.
Smith had other ideas.
He got his priorities in order and transferred to the University of Memphis last year. He had to sit out a year due to NCAA rules, but once he hit the field, it didn't take him long to make an impression.
Memphis was beginning spring practices in April, and Smith, who hadn't played competitively in more than a year, was dying to show he still possessed the speed, strength and moves from before. Memphis coach Tommy West gave him that chance, and Smith took full advantage of it.
''The first carry I had I took it 60 yards for a touchdown,'' Smith recalled. ''It was big for me because I think coach West realized what I could do and that I could help this team.''
It was a moment of tranquillity for Smith, who didn't endure many of those during his time at Wisconsin. Yet, Smith is ready to move on from the past.
He dealt with the repercussions, admitted he made an inexcusable mistake and then redirected his focus to making the proper decision in choosing where to continue college. Rumors swirled about Smith returning to the area and playing at Youngstown State University, but he said he ''was never really that close'' to joining the Penguins.
''I love Warren and my hometown, but I feel like I can play in a conference where guys like D'Angelo Williams and Chris Johnson played, and I want to take advantage of that,'' said Smith, who has two years of eligibility remaining. ''I looked at the success the running backs had the last couple of years at Memphis and in this conference, and after talking to coach West, I don't see why I can't be a part of that elite group and play on Sundays.''
That list has been growing over the years. Several running backs from Conference USA, which Memphis competes in, now play in the National Football League. Johnson, now with the Tennessee Titans, and Williams (Carolina Panthers) both play key roles for their respective teams, as does Matt Forte of the Chicago Bears, who played at Tulane, and the Detroit Lions' Kevin Smith from Central Florida.
Smith had aspirations of making it to the NFL after leaving Howland in 2006, and that hasn't changed. He's not the only one who believes that dream is possible, either. West said he sees the some of the same skills in Smith that he did in Williams, now one of the better running backs in the NFL.
''Physically, he's a little bit like D'Angelo,'' West said of the 5-foot-11, 210-pound Smith. ''He's got a tremendous burst through the hole, and that's the part that reminds me of D'Angelo. He's a guy that can break the long run - what I call a home-run hitter. He can be really exciting and fun to watch in this league.''
The speed and agility of Smith hasn't left him. In fact, the 21-year-old said he's in the best shape of his life. His set of skills work especially well in what West said is a very finesse offense at Memphis. His ability to catch the ball, something he didn't to do all that much with the power-oriented attack of Howland, has been a key attribute in him moving up the Tigers' depth chart.
''He's got really good hands,'' West said. ''What we'll do with him is try to get him out in space and then let him make people miss. We're not a power team at all.''
Right now, Smith is behind incumbent running back Curtis Steele. Steele, who rushed for 1,223 yards and seven touchdowns last year, is good in between the tackles, while Smith provides quickness and an ability to make people miss. The two shared a lot of the carries with the first team during the spring, Smith said. That may continue to be the case throughout the season as West said he likes to utilize two backs throughout games. Yet, West also indicated that Smith could soon be taking the bulk of the carries.
''If Lance continues at the pace he's going, I expect him to play a lot,'' West said. ''In fact I expect him to play a lot in the opening game.
''He has God-given ability. He has instincts that you can't coach. His thing is to just keep conditioning and not take any days off, and he's going to be fine.''
There's more than just football to worry about for Smith. He admitted he focused too much on football while at Wisconsin and lost sight of more important priorities. Figuring out how to balance school, football and a social life was a lesson he learned the hard way, but he now understands how vital it is to have such a balance.
''As an athlete, you can get caught up in playing football and sometimes you may get caught up not doing things off the field first,'' Smith said. ''I realized that you have to take care of things off the field first.''
Memphis has taken a chance with several high-profile transfers, some of who also have troubled pasts like Smith. West said he doesn't mind giving players another shot to reconcile any mistakes they may have made, and there was a specific reason Smith was handed an opportunity.
''When I talked to him face to face, he didn't blame anyone else for his situation,'' West said. ''That's always what I look for. If they take responsibility for what they've done wrong, then OK, we all mistakes. But, now, if they want to blame someone else and act like they haven't done anything, then you'll probably have more of the same.''
Smith said he understands he was given a second chance, and he's doing all he can to seize the opportunity. That means more than just playing well on Saturdays.
''They (the coaches) know I have talent, but they want me to take care of my business off the field first,'' he said. ''I understand that, and I know what I have to do now.''
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07-06-09 4:27 PM
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Go to wikepedia and search Howland High School look at the alumni section and the last two are up and coming stars
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jackson5
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06-28-09 8:41 AM
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Fairness, you are rediculous. He earned a second chance because he had something to offer. Congrats to Lance for manning up, taking responsibility and not giving up on pursuing his dream. Also kudos to the Trib for covering a post H.S. athlete with local roots. I think a lot of people would definately like to see a lot more of this. Keep it up!
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fairness
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06-28-09 7:12 AM
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To many of these guys are given second chances. That's bullcrap. They knew better to begin with. If he is like the others, he will be in trouble again. I'm tired of supporting them.
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