POSITIONAL highlights
Trusting the Process. Walking in Faith. Running for State.
4.23.2025
Taz Smith 🏈 👟 ⛳️ 🐘 🔴
Running out my final weeks with heart, hustle, and a whole lot of hope as a Red Elephant. Just wrapped up golf season at Southern Hills, and now I’m trading in the clubs for spikes, training hard, and praying for a run at state. Graduation’s around the corner, and I’m ready, grounded, and trusting God’s timing every step of the way.
BIG MOVES for Taz in 2025
1.15.2025
Taz Smith 🏈 👟 ⛳️ 🐘 🔴
Finished the year strong with First Team All-Region and Special Teams Player of the Year Awards. Now, he’s back with fresh cleats, running track, and hitting the greens for the Red Elephants, balancing sports and academics with that unstoppable smile! The future looks bright! 🌟🏆
Dynamic Playmaker & Team Leader On and Off the Field
10.31.24
Taz Smith 🏈 🐘 🔴
WIDE RECEIVER IS ALSO A PUNTER (ATH)
Regular season stats tell the story: Taz Smith is a versatile playmaker with 1032 all-purpose yards, 31 catches for 735 yards, an impressive 23.7 average per catch. Adding 297 rushing yards and 8 total touchdowns to his record, Taz consistently demonstrates his ability to impact the game from multiple positions. Contact information. Regular season hudl highlights.
Incredible TEAM, Incredible PLAYS, Incredible EFFORT!
9.4.24
Taz Smith 🏈 🐘 🔴
WIDE RECEIVER IS ALSO A PUNTER (ATH)
Week 3 Offensive Player of the Game🔥
Week 3 Top 3 Play in the State of Georgia 🔥
Week 3 Top 10 Play in the United States 🔥
Gainesville High School put on a show against Westlake with a 41 Gainesville 7 them final score. Taz’s 5 catches and 200 all-purpose yards earned him offensive player of the game! He got Gainesville on the board with a 40-yard touchdown in the first quarter and didn’t stop there. When the Red Elephants were up 35-7, Taz corralled a high snap and took it 90 yards to the house, giving GHS the game’s final touchdown! 🔴🐘🏈
BACK IN ACTION
4.28.24 Taz truly shined this past weekend at the Atlanta Elite 11 regionals, showcasing his impressive skills as a wide receiver. Despite Elite 11 traditionally spotlighting the nation's top quarterbacks, Taz made a standout performance catching eyes with his agility, speed, and precise route running.
Taz ability to sync with different quarterbacks during drills and live play highlighted not only his adaptability but also his profound understanding of the game. His performance not only solidifies his reputation as a top-tier wide receiver but also boosts his visibility among scouts and coaches.
As we look forward to his next steps, it's clear that Taz is a formidable talent on the rise, making significant strides in his football career. For more details on the Elite 11 regionals, you can visit their official site here.
Same Field, Different Sport!
2.27.2024 Switching Gears: Taz Takes on Lacrosse During Football Offseason.
Earning a spot on varsity, dominating the field as a left attack racking up over 20 points in just three games! That's our Taz, showing his skills and natural talent. Mom's favorite 'duck and score' at 1:10!
Back and Better Than Ever repping dad's Michigan's football #37!
RETURNER
gaining yards and improving field position
DEFENSIVE BACK
always perfecting my assignment
WIDE RECEIVER
advancing my team's position and scoring touchdowns
My RESILIENCE and DETERMINATION
Corky Kell Classic Commentator: "That’s their guy. They gotta look at film and know. Hey, the coach knows it right here. He’s telling him, 'We’re gonna find a way, stick with us. We’ve gotta have you all year because you’re a difference-maker for us.' This is the guy that can be like that, the motion right there, getting right back out in space, see that full speed, it’s a little flood route, great block down the field, and watch him finish. Tells ya a lot about that young man right there."
Mom: “What tells you more is what you don’t see—his character, his work ethic. Actions speak louder than words. He didn’t stop. Johns Creek would need a miracle to win the game, but Taz never gave up. He played his heart out for his team, figuratively and literally. Taz took a hit in the 2nd quarter that, unbeknownst to anyone, shattered his spleen—stage 5, internal bleeding. I would take him to the emergency room later that night. You can see his story here."
Taz: "I was cramping almost the whole game. I was pushing myself as much as I could've. I kept going even though I was tired and exhausted. I later learned why, I had blood hemorrhaging all over inside my body and didn’t know it. I took a hit in the 2nd quarter that ruptured my spleen and would land me in the ICU."
WHAT SCOUTS SAY
Connor Jackson, Prep Redzone Scout, stated, "Taz Smith was one of the top performers of the WR group and generated buzz among many coaches and scouts at the event. Smith showed some explosiveness and acceleration during testing, where he ran a 4.47 40; later, he demonstrated great body control and fluidity as the afternoon went on. Smith was among the best route runners in the WR group, quickly creating separation with crafty movement and quick footwork. He also showed the ability to go up and high point the football. Smith is set for a breakout senior season and put himself on the radar at our camp."
WATCH ME RISE
My body is healed and my mind is stronger. I'm ready to tackle football again.
August 2023, I suffered a stage 5 ruptured spleen in the 2nd Quarter of the Corky Kell, an exhibition game before what was suppose to be his senior season. I didn't know at the time but the hit shattered my insides and I had terrible internal bleeding. I continued to play my positions: wide receiver, punt returner and defensive back. I ran my routes, did my assignments and finished the game with a touchdown for my team.
I have been taught my entire life work ethic, deeper knowledge, greater ability and determination. My mom calls it grit. My dad calls it character. The accident pushed back my grad year to January 2025.
THIS IS MY COMEBACK STORY!
Me at the Core
It starts with my smile. I've been told it's contagious!
I've learned to acknowledge and celebrate the successes, both big and small, of myself and my peers. Whether it's academic achievements, personal milestones, or athletic victories, sharing in joy fosters a sense of camaraderie.
My Random Thoughts
As a student-athlete I believe our actions inspire others. I believe if we demonstrate dedication, hard work, and a positive attitude in both academics and athletics others will follow.
My Greatest Challenge
Maintaining balance can be challenging. Lucky for me I was raised in a strict loving home that allowed me to grow physically and emotionally. My father taught me character, integrity and all things that matter after you're done playing your game. He'd know as a retired NFL player and successful automotive executive.
Like my father, my goal has always been to go to the next level. Although I have been a multi-sport athlete my entire life playing soccer, golf, basketball, and lacrosse my love and passion lives in football.
I want to play in college and beyond!
My Father
My dad Jim Smith, #86 2x Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers, #37 All-American, University of Michigan.
Pops has never pushed football on me. He's let all of us choose what we play. He gives feedback and a nod here and there. His #1 job has always been to raise a good human, athletic abilities a distant second.
I hope he continues to be proud of me, his Taz!