Riverdale's 'best-kept secret' Drew Smith gives Warriors speed, size in backfield

Riverdale senior running back Drew Smith rushed for 1,361 yards and 16 touchdowns during a breakout junior season.

Still, he might be one of the area's best-kept secrets. Or at least one of the most underrated players. That's just fine with the 5-foot-8, 210-pound bruiser. 

"I don't really think about all of that," Smith said. "But I definitely want to get more yardage than last year and come out every day and compete."

Riverdale coach Will Kriesky realizes Smith doesn't enter the 2019 season as a household name.

It's not necessarily people overlooking a 1,000-yard season, but the second-team all-area performer played in the same county with running backs like Mr. Football finalist Xavier Myers of Oakland, Blackman standout Tamicus Napier and MTCS star Kemari McGowan, not to mention numerous other Division I college signees around the area.

"He is (playing with a little chip on his shoulder)," Kriesky said after the Warriors' 17-14 scrimmage win over Cane Ridge on Tuesday. "You can tell through spring and summer practice, the way he takes the field and does his reps and the way he works hard in the weight room. 

"He's just a kid that works hard, and he's a team player. He wants what's best for the team and keeps fighting for the team. If he's a best-kept secret, I'm all for it."

Smith has a fullback body with the speed and ability to make defenders miss.

"He's a big back, and he's hard to bring down," Kriesky said. "That's what a lot of people we played last year complained about, that he's too hard to bring down. 

"He does a good job making the first guy miss, and always has the opportunity to get 4 or 5 yards. They're tough yards, but he does a good job and keeps going."

Smith, who has yet to garner any college offers, considers himself somewhere between a fullback and tailback.

"I'm definitely a bigger back, for sure," he said. "But I've got a little speed on me. I can get around the edge."

Smith was basically an every-down back last year, carrying the ball 218 times and averaging 6.2 yards per carry.

He had huge games against Siegel (258 yards rushing), Cookeville (220 yards) and Centennial (209 yards rushing, five touchdowns) last season.

Both Smith and Kriesky believe he has improved considerably since his breakout year.

"I think I've improved on my strength and speed," said Smith, the younger brother of former Warriors standout running back Michael Scruggs. "And my all-around vision of the field."

Added Kriesky, "He sees (the field) better and hits holes better. He's a little quicker. He has a burst in that first step. But he's still a powerful back that can break tackles."

Riverdale opens the season at home against Clarksville Northeast on Aug. 23.

Reach Cecil Joyce at cjoyce@dnj.com or 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Cecil_Joyce.

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