Goose Creek CISD September 2024

Cover Story

Sterling

THAT DUDE SMITH IS STERLING’S BIG MAN ON CAMPUS

\\ Matt Malatesta

defense like Sauce Gardner as well.” The Rangers will need Smith to play all over the field if Sterling hopes to navigate district play to the postseason. Wins and losses are great, but Smith thinks bigger. “What I’m really trying to leave behind is an example for kids behind me that want something bigger and better,” he said. “I had a big dream and went after it. If I can do it, they can too.”

opportunity and I’ve been at work all summer heading into my senior year. I’ve really worked on my route-running and mental toughness to get prepared for this season and college.” Smith has great ball skills and is lethal after the catch but can also turn around and cover his opponents’ best receiver at cornerback. “When I was young, I loved Odell Beckham,” he said. “Just his creativity on the field and his ability to make plays. I do like locking people down on

on the court or on the track. Even on the ‘The Game’ (EA Sports College Football ’25). I’ve always been that way, going all the way back to Little League football.” That competitive nature, his athleticism and size made him a DI prospect, and he will be taking his talents to Colorado State next Fall as it stands now. “I love the campus and the coaches,” he said. “When I visited, I knew it was where I was going to call home. They are giving me such a great

STERLING’S JOHN SMITH HAS THAT AURA. You hear the voice before he enters the room. The 6-foot-4 athlete has the confidence, the swagger and the game to back it up. Smith was an all-district selection in football, basketball and was also a member of the Rangers’ 4x400 on the way to becoming the Male Athlete of the Year at Sterling in 2023-24. “I love to compete,” he said. “Whether that be in football,

gccisd.net // SEPT 2024 // GOOSE CREEK CISD // 27