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Smart learning to be leader
Former walk-on linebacker sets example as starter
Just a year ago Colorado linebacker Jeff Smart understood how it felt to be one of the last to be picked when kids choose sides at recess.
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There were not a lot of expectations for the walk-on from Boulder High School who had played a total of seven downs from scrimmage in his redshirt freshman season in 2006. Although the overall depth at linebacker was thin entering spring practices in 2007, players with scholarships and more experience were ahead of him on the depth chart.
Conventional wisdom told him he might be headed for another season of special teams work and mop-up duty. So he turned conventional wisdom on its head.
Smart took full advantage of every opportunity that came his way last spring, summer and fall, rising from afterthought to playmaker, from sideline-spectator to starter. He earned a scholarship and proved to be one of the smartest and most hard-working players on the roster.
As spring practices continue for the Buffs this month, he is a shining example to other Buffs who hope to have a similar leap year.
"It's just like a big change," Smart said. "A year ago, I was just trying to find my way with special teams or whatever. I forget what string I was last year during the spring. I was just trying to do what I could and maybe get a couple snaps here and there.
"Now after a year, I'm looked as a leader and I'm expected to make plays like I showed I could make last year."
The last player to come from nowhere to contribute as much as Smart in a season was probably former quarterback Joel Klatt, who became the starter as a walk-on in 2003 after bare-ly being used in 2002.
Smart played in all 13 games last fall and a total of 677 regular-season snaps, or 670 more than he had previously. He finished third on the team in tackles with 80 and soaked up every tip and suggestion he could from senior All-American Jordon Dizon.
Smart says being in the film room every day with a player like Dizon was just as valuable as playing next to him on the field in practices and games. He said watching Dizon work on the big screen and listening to him talk about it made him a better player.
He has adopted Dizon's low-key approach.
"I'd say a lot of it was maybe mind-set and not putting too much pressure on myself, going to practice and just doing what I can do," Smart said.
CU coach Dan Hawkins espouses many different philosophies to his players, but one of his constant themes is enjoying the journey, not just the finish line.
Smart seems to appreciate that thinking. He says earning a new level of respect from coaches, teammates and fans has been fun. It also motivates him to be better as a junior in 2008.
Hawkins says he believes Smart is capable of a Dizon-like year. Smart is focused on simply earning his job all over again and serving as a role model to younger players the way Dizon was for him.
"I think that's definitely emerging," Hawkins said. "I mean, I think they're seeing all those things. He knows what he's doing and he makes plays and helps get everybody else lined up."
Where there was doubt just 12 months ago, there is now confidence in heart and mind of No. 45.
"I know that I'm capable," Smart said.
Posted by kimolukela on April 4, 2008 at 6:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Smart learned from one of the best ever to play at CU, so let's hope he helps fill the gap at linebacker.
Posted by nwbuff32 on April 4, 2008 at 8:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Gap at linebacker? This is actually a position of strength now. Sipili (potential to be as good as Dizon), Smart, RJ Brown, Marcus Burton, Nate Vaiomounga (true freshman least season, but played on special teams), Tyler Ahles (red shirted, but staff has high expectations), and Brad Jones are ready to fight for PT. Take these guys, then add Major (who could easily be starting by the Texas game), Rippy (tons of upside), and Katoa (rumblings that the DA does not have a case since the so called victims will not be testifying) and you've got an outstanding group of players. Oh, don't forget about BJ Beatty and some of the walk ons that will fight for PT.
These guys + Coach Cabral= position of strength.
Posted by seanspradling on April 4, 2008 at 8:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"(rumblings that the DA does not have a case since the so called victims will not be testifying) " come on man, you gotta give us more than that. I'm not in Boulder...what is going on out there? Any news on Geer?
Posted by Ldjbuff on April 4, 2008 at 8:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is good news for a kid who desrves it for the hard work he put's in. Not only will this stengthen our Lb core it also gives CU the possilbility to go 3-4 and not just base 4-3. Can't wait till the Spring Game GO BUFFS!
Posted by nwbuff32 on April 4, 2008 at 8:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
sean,
Everything I have read is hearsay. It sounds like Katoa was tased and the victims are not willing to press charges. Take that for what its worth. As for Geer, I have no clue.
Posted by BuffNut99 on April 4, 2008 at 9:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
nwbuff32-
RJ Brown is no longer on the team (concussions)... Also, don't forget about Jake Duren...
Posted by LBCBuff on April 4, 2008 at 2:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
my money says charges or no charges, Katoa killed any chance to play next year - even if the DA didn't pursue charges Hawkins will punish him anyway for being a bonehead. He's going to keep control of this team.
Posted by Ralphie2 on April 4, 2008 at 2:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Smart move, Buffs!
Posted by extrapoint on April 4, 2008 at 3:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
from walkon to the third leading tackler
I know Jeff is busting his a##, but as NWbuff32 already said
a tip of the hat also goes to coach Cabral.
Posted by Saheeb on April 4, 2008 at 4:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
LBCBuff: Yeah, I agree with you. Hawkins can't let a player, no matter how legitimately pissed off he may have been, just start wailing on other people -- especially given the victims don't even seem to have been involved. As much as I would hate to lose Katoa for a season, and risk losing him altogther by suspending him, and as much as I would bet he'll grow from the experience and be a better person, I just don't think you can let this kind of stuff slide even if the DA doesn't file charges. Allowing this kind of stuff to go unpunished would just the door to more off field issues. Hawkins isn't the kind of guy to let that happen. I bet Hawk does suspend him. Hopefully he'll let him keep practicing. That would be a good way to keep him acrive and make him feel he's still a part of the team. But, it would not surprise me at all if he's banished completely for the season.
Posted by 20buff on April 4, 2008 at 6:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think Judicial Affairs will beat Hawk to the punch. They will have to suspend Katoa, or risk being inconsistent in punitive measures.
Posted by bufffan8 on April 4, 2008 at 8:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If Judicial Affairs suspends him for a semester - like Sipili - would it be for the Summer semester or for next Fall semester? I'm sure Lynn would be taking Summer classes so for what semester does he get suspended? Do they let him take Summer classes and then suspend him for Fall or do they suspend him right away for a semester and he comes back for Fall?
Posted by mgmtgrad on April 4, 2008 at 10:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If the DA drops the charges on any case, AND innocent until proven guilty is THE measure of ALL cases, then why should the JD affairs office be allowed to do more then give probation? Yes, he does represent the school, but fair is fair.
If any of us were involved in a physical altercation to protect our selves, a friend or a loved one and the states legal system finds that we protected ourselves, then why should there be any punishment or consequence with our work, church, social organization or school? That is double jeopardy plain and simple.
If the victims did press charges and lost (beyond a reasonable doubt) they could still file civil damages. But if they refuse to press charges because both parties contributed to the altercation AND don’t file the easier to prove civil suit charges (only need 50.01%) then why should he be suspended from school?
Otherwise what good is our state’s justice system if private parties can still convict after the DA/State dropped the charges and they don’t have a victim to represent?
Because he had to turn himself in for the arrest and may have over react to the situation (probably, none of us were there), I think that this should be a partial season suspension by Hawkins. He knows best how long, what the terms should be and etc.
Yes he does represent the school and Hawkins should deal with him, but as a believer of personal rights…. DOUBLE JEOPARDY IS DOUBLE JEOPARDY.
And that is WRONG. Nobody reading this would want to have to fight two battles to prove their case, just to be reamed by some overzealous students with heads bigger then their common sense.
And don’t think any of this will go unnoticed by the staff or anyone else on the team, Hawkins will deal with it accordingly but fairly.
Marcus J
Posted by mgmtgrad on April 4, 2008 at 10:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
PS.
Sorry Smart for using your article for my forum above I hope you understand and agree.
Marcus J
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