We're featuring some of our HomeTeam 100 players, including our No. 81 player, Dixie Hollins WR/DB Marcus Smith:
In a winless 2012 season filled with injuries, Marcus Smith was one of the few bright spots for the Rebels. As a sophomore, he had 29 catches for 479 yards and three touchdowns for a team that had trouble finding the end zone.
Most of those catches came after quarterback Tyrie Adams returned from a knee injury for the final three games. Adams and Smith continued to play well during the spring and in summer 7-on-7 tournaments.
As a first-year starter on a beleaguered team, Smith (6-1, 165) didn’t get much attention. Expect that to change this season.
“He may be a breakout type player to everybody else but we already know what he can do,’’ Dixie coach Shannon Brooks said. “It was clear that when Tyrie came back from injury those two had a connection. Most of what Marcus did came in the last three games of the season. Then they both worked very well together over the summer.
"We expect Marcus to continue doing everything he did last season and then some.’’
Smith’s speed and sure hands make him extra valuable to the Rebels. Brooks said Smith will continue to play defensive back as well as return kickoffs (he had two for TDs last season).
Smith is looking forward to helping Dixie Hollins turn things around.
“I think we can have a great season and put some wins on the board,’’ Smith said. “Last year it was tough with everyone getting injured. I kind of had to step up and be a leader. This season, with Tyrie healthy, if he makes the right reads and I do what I have to do to get open, it could be a big year."
Also in this series:
Players 91-100
Players 81-90