Bledsoe County High School running back Brandon Smith.At some point last spring it dawned on Brandon Smith that the 2011 football season would be his last at Bledsoe County.
“He was here every morning in the summer at 6:45 to do his lifting. The year before it wasn’t like that,” Bledsoe coach Jason Reel said.
Looking to help his team defend its District 7-AA championship, Smith got the year off to a quick start, rushing for 260 yards and three TDs and catching four passes for another 31 yards as Bledsoe went on the road to defeat Cumberland County 34-14. For his efforts, the senior was selected as the Times Free Press high school player of the week.
“When he’s in the game you can approach your offensive and defensive schemes a little differently because he is such a factor,” Reel said. “He’s as valuable as any running back or safety can be.”
In addition to his offensive showing, he had 339 total yards because he also had a 48-yard punt return. The second-year starter also had nine tackles from his safety position.