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CHOCTAW — Night had fallen over Bill Jensen Field as an introspective visitor sat on the turf in solitude.
With a major decision looming, Choctaw edge rusher Will Smith needed a quiet space for thinking. So, at about 9:30 on an autumn evening, the high school senior found solace in a familiar locale: his hometown football stadium.
He ruminated on his options. Then he called Tulsa coach Kevin Wilson and made an independent decision.
“Nobody (but Wilson) knew I had committed to Tulsa whenever I did it,” Smith said.
After decommitting from Oklahoma State and reevaluating his future, Smith knew he needed to make a choice on his own. Family, friends and coaches could offer guidance, but he had to trust his instincts to lead him to his new home.
Although Smith was intentionally alone when he committed in October, he later treasured the chance to celebrate with a supportive group that spanned the McCharen Center’s bleachers as he made his decision official. All eyes were on Smith when he signed with Tulsa during his Wednesday afternoon ceremony at Choctaw.
Seconds before Smith inked his letter, Choctaw football coach Jake Corbin addressed Smith’s lively congregation of peers.
“It’s important for us to remember that all the young athletes and adults can testify that your path to success will not be a straight line,” Corbin told the crowd through a microphone. “I promise you.”
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Choctaw outside linebacker Will Smith signs with the University of Tulsa on Wednesday.
Smith said his coach’s wise message “means everything” to him. The physical distance from Choctaw to Tulsa is only 95 miles, but his road has been paved with detours and stops.
Starting at age 3, Smith grew up in the foster system, bouncing among various living…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/why-choctaw-edge-rusher-smith-110313722.html
Author : The Oklahoman
Publish date : 2023-12-24 11:03:13
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