The Secrets To Smith's Success
September 20, 2024 | Football
STARKVILLE – Isaac Smith was one of the highest-rated recruits Mississippi State signed in the class of 2023, so it was not a surprise to see him on the field right away as a true freshman last fall.
But after appearing in every game during his first year with the Bulldogs, Smith knew there were several areas he needed to continue growing in order to help his cause to start at safety as a sophomore. So as soon as last season ended, the former Under Armor All-American and Mississippi Mr. Football went to work on improving every aspect of his game.
"I felt like I was kind of undersized," Smith said. "I knew I needed to get stronger, faster and smarter in the game. I think that was one of the spots I improved the most was learning the game of football. Coach Matt Barnes coming in, he taught me a lot of the little things that I use every snap of every play of every game and that I will use that for the rest of my time playing football."
In addition to Barnes, Smith was quick to give credit to others involved with the football program that aided him in achieving his goals and helped him get off to a stellar start to his sophomore season. The Bulldogs' new strength staff headed up by Shaud Williams and nutritionist Pamela Bartz devised a plan to assist Smith putting on additional strength and weight to play more physical while still maintaining the speed and agility needed to patrol the secondary.
"They are awesome," Smith said. "They did an excellent job of getting me ready in winter, spring, summer. They all worked together and created a plan individually as well and just allowed all of us to grow how we wanted to grow and be the person we want to be."
After making just 15 stops a season ago, Smith has racked up 43 during his first three games as a starter this year and is currently tied for the most tackles in the country.
Some of Smith's success this season is due to his God-given ability and a natural nose for the football. However, a lot of it can also be credited to hours of film study and diligent notetaking he does on each of his opponents as well as himself. Â
"I'm a huge notetaker," Smith said. "I keep two notebooks with me and they're full of notes, clues, tips, reminders and all of that. And then film is really big for me as wel. I think that's probably my strong suit in my game, my ability to pick up and see things and ask good questions. But I think film, notetaking and going over your notes is probably the strongest points that I have."
It probably does hurt that the 6-foot-1, 205-pounder also has good genetics as well. Smith's father, Reggie, lettered as a defensive end at Ole Miss in 1997 and started teaching him and his older brother, Jaden, the sport at early ages growing up in Fulton.
"It's a blessing to have him to be able to do that," Smith said of his father. "Him playing ball, he knows a lot about the game. He coached me in Pee Wee. He and my mom have been my No. 1 supporters since I was little. They took me to travel games and everything. I think just the aspect of having my dad and my older brother as well to just play ball with, it's a blessing."
And although Smith is only 15 games into his college career, new head coach Jeff Lebby identified him as an emerging leader on the team with a bright and budding future ahead.
"He's a guy that leads with the way that he plays and the way that he practices," Lebby said. "His love and energy and his love for the game of football is all over the tape. I'm proud of that dude for what he's done and continuing to do."
