Fresno City College running back Jeremy Smith was set to play for Southeastern Louisiana this season, but it obviously never happened.
Like at many universities, opportunities arise for coaches and that was the case with former Lions recruiting coordinator E.K. Franks, who accepted the same position at Arkansas.
Smith decided he didn't want to go to Southeastern Louisiana, the only school to offer him a scholarship. So he left before practice started this past summer.
He visited Louisiana State but no offer was made with the Tigers having already brought in freshmen running backs Leonard Fournette, the nation's top overall prospect, and Darrell Williams.
Southeastern Louisiana's loss was Fresno City College's gain as Smith's father, Craig Williams, found the school on his home computer and researched the Rams before he picked the school over other JCs in Mississippi and Arizona.
"I stumbled on coach Tony (Caviglia) and Fresno City," Williams said. "I looked at the great things they're doing over there ... having kids graduate and moving on to other schools and to advance in their career.
"What impressed me with coach Tony is the high percentage of guys that graduate. That's what impressed me the most. When I talked to him ... his character and being honest. ... It's a better fit for my son."
Smith is majoring in engineering and carries a GPA of at least 3.0 or better since high school.
Smith's goal now is to help the Rams win games and come out with a "big-time offer."
Smith played high school football at Hammond High Magnet School and had a career game when he had a 31 carries for 447 yards and seven touchdowns against Pearl River High as a junior in 2012. By the way, his Hammond team defeated Pearl River 55-28 after trailing 28-27 at halftime.
Smith's touchdown runs covered 63 (twice), 57 yards, 45, 25, 11 and 1 yards.
"It was the best game I ever had," said the 6-foot-2, 225 pound Hammond native. "I just went out there and played, got the win and that's all was on my mind at the time."
That is the attitude Caviglia likes as he welcomed the running back to the team.
"I like big backs here and watching him on film out of high school he was able to do some things that we like our backs to be able to do," Caviglia said. "He runs with power and he also posses great speed."
For the season, Smith has 59 carries for 418 yards and six touchdowns and earned his first start against Reedley, but Caviglia doesn't plan "to wear him out" because he uses a running back by committee.
That's fine by Smith.
"Running back coach (Jesus Reyes) is like the most helpful person on and off the field, making sure we know that grades are first and ball will work itself out," Smith said. "On the field, we take our time as a running back group and why we do things and how we should do it."
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JC football: RB Jeremy Smith a welcome addition for Fresno City | Sports | FresnoBee.com
