NHS lineman Smith inks with Truman State
Nevada Daily Mail
Nevada High School senior Caleb Smith signed a national letter-of-intent Wednesday to play football at Truman State University in Kirksville.
Surrounded by his parents and Nevada coaches, the 6-foot-4, 300 pound offensive lineman made the signing official inside of the NHS library.
Smith, a four-year letter-winner who carries an overall 3.65 GPA, ranking him 36 of 144 NHS seniors, said he chose Truman State over other suitors such as Emporia State and Southwest Baptist University, due to academics.
"They were my No. 1 school academically," Smith said.
Smith, who plans on majoring in physical education, said that an accelerated degree program was a key selling point. Smith also had other reasons for choosing Truman State.
"The football team is a very close group. They will be like my second family," he said.
Smith, who was born and raised in Nevada, said he's sad to see this chapter of his life come to a close, but is excited about the future.
"It's been fun, Nevada's been a good town," Smith said.
Smith added that it's going to be "heartbreaking" when he departs from Nevada.
"You have so many relationships that you build here," he said. "And then you have to get up and leave them, and that's going to be the hardest part."
Smith, who didn't play football until his sophomore year, said his biggest influence was former Nevada head football coach Wes Beachler.
"Without him I wouldn't have gotten this far," Smith said. "And then coach (Erik) Yoakam coach (Jarrod) Alexander, they came in and pushed me, and made me better."
Yoakam, who took over for Beachler in 2013, said he was impressed with what Smith brought to the football program.
"Caleb's a kid that brings good leadership," Yoakam said. "You didn't have to say much to him, he always took it upon himself to be the best that he could and go that extra mile."
Yoakam said that he thinks Smith will be successful at Truman State.
"He's got a good work ethic, and a good basis underneath him," he said. "I see Caleb going in and working hard, and getting a shot to be successful there."
Accolades
During his senior campaign, Smith was named a West Central Conference honorable mention offensive lineman, All Southwest Missouri honorable mention offensive lineman, and a Second-team All-District offensive lineman.
During his junior season in 2013, Smith was named All Southwest Missouri honorable mention offensive lineman, and Second-team All-District offensive lineman. Smith was also a Nevada Tigers team captain.
Smith is the son of Shane and Tami Smith of Nevada. Smith has a younger sister, Abbigail.
Smith is a powerlifting club team member.
"My junior year summer conditioning was one of my fondest memories," he said.
Smith said that his favorite NFL team is the Philadelphia Eagles.
"I really love the Eagles," Smith said.
Check a future edition of the Daily Mail for additional pictures from Caleb Smith's signing day festivities