SMITHER DIRECTS TALENTED O-LINE IN 2007

written by: Matt Wyatt
NEMCC Sports Information Director

BOONEVILLE, Miss.-- Ricky Smither has experience coaching offensive linemen at the college level. From Delta State University, to Mississippi Valley State, the winding road sometimes referred to as the "coaching carousel" has brought the 10-year coaching veteran to Northeast Mississippi Community College where he once again will be directing the offense's big men.

"I'm really enjoying myself," Smither says with a distinctive cajun drawl. "It's even more fun when you're coaching good kids who want to work, who want to be good, and that's what we've got so far."

The challenge facing Smither this preseason has been coaching a group that returns just two starters off last season's unit: center Reggie Wade (Tuscumbia, Ala.) and guard South Oaks (Courtland, Miss.). Northeast head coach Andy Greening signed 11 offensive lineman this past spring.

"We have plenty of young guys," Smither explained, "but the ones that I saw coming in here this summer were working hard then, and so far they've exceeded my expectations. When you make that transition from high school to college the biggest thing to adjust to is the speed. These guys have adjusted quickly."

One freshman who has proved to be a quick learner and now stands out among the freshmen is Heath Blount (6'5" 295lb) from Cleveland, Miss. After the decision was made to move sophomore Greg Magnifico (Olive Branch, Miss.) from defensive tackle to offensive guard, Blount remains the only freshman on the first-string offensive line depth chart. The newcomer is penciled in at first team left tackle, opposite sophomore Daran Pratt (New Albany, Miss.) at right tackle.

"Heath has been a pleasant suprise so far at left tackle," said Smither. "He's from a 1-A private school, and even though he had the size and strength I wondered whether he would be able to adjust to the speed here. He has done that, he has adjusted. He is definitly smart enough to play the position."

Sophomore center Reggie Wade has been dubbed "the heartbeat" of the offensive front by his new coach. "I really believe he's going to be a Division-I player when he leaves Northeast. He may be a little small, but he is solid. He's as strong as a mule and Reggie is very smart, and mature for his age. He's what makes us go up front."

Smither's last order of business with a little more over two weeks remaining before the Tigers open the season on the road against Jones County Junior College on August 30 is to build quality depth at each O-line position. At that point, Smither says, his Tigers could be a special group.

"To develop a backup center is top priority," Smither said, "and we believe we'll be able to do that. Our first five are pretty solid right now and we need some young guys to fill the depth chart."

"The good thing is we have more capable linemen now than Northeast has had in a while. It should make for a fun year."

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