Jonathan Smith
6′0″, 185 lbs
Wide Receiver
Jonesboro High School
Jonesboro, Georgia
Jonathan Smith is a two-sport (baseball and football) athlete from Jonesboro High School in Jonesboro, Georgia. Smith has excellent hands and has a great combination of power and speed. His 40-yard dash time is 4.5 seconds. Although signed as a wide receiver, Smith has played running back, cornerback, safety, and outside linebacker in high school.
Smith is also a versatile kick returner (see video below) who chose Austin Peay over Murray State and Troy. He has excellent football genes, with cousins Reggie Brown and Jamie Henderson having both played for the University of Georgia. Brown now plays wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles. Jonesboro Head Coach De’Timothy Floyd describes Smith as a practical joker and a hard worker.
Jonathan Smith Interview
Any pregame rituals/superstitions?
I like to listen to my iPod and get “spatted.” Then, I like to talk to my quarterback.
What’s on your iPod (or mp3 player)?
I have a variety of music on my iPod, but its mostly rap.
Favorite movie? TV show?
My favorite movies are Stepbrothers and Avatar. My favorite tv show is Fresh Prince of Bel Air.
What player would you compare your game to (NFL or college)?
I would compare my game to Devin Hester because of his versatility. He can play many positions, and so can I.
What is your favorite sport besides football? Do you play any other sports?
I also enjoy watching basketball and playing baseball.
Tell us something we don’t know about you (Hobbies, etc)
I really don’t talk much when first meeting people. I like to play Xbox 360 and spend time with my friends.
Wide receiver Jonathan Smith as he signs his letter of intent to play for Austin Peay State University. Photo from Atlanta Journal Constitution.
What do you consider is the strongest facet of your game? What do you need to work on the most?
I consider my vision, hands, and speed to be the strongest facets of my game. I want to further improve my speed.
What made you choose Austin Peay? What do you want to major in?
Coach Sidney and his staff really impressed me throughout the recruiting process. They were professional and informed me about the positive things in their program. I am undecided about my major.
Who is the best player you have played with? And against?
The best player I have played with is Michael Carlisle (linebacker concurrently considering Mississippi State, MTSU, and others) and the best player I have played against is Clarence Jackson (linebacker signed with Ole Miss).
Who is the biggest inspiration in your life?
The biggest inspiration in my life is my cousin, Jamie Henderson. His football career was cut short due to a motorcycle crash, but he never lost his drive, ambition, or faith.
Discussion can be found here.
