Darius Smith: Rocking the Gridiron After ACL Setback
At 5-foot-10, Darius Smith's size may not intimidate opponents, but his speed and agility on the field certainly do. Last season, the Rockhurst Hawklets wide receiver averaged 22.5 yards per reception, a mark that would have led the Missouri Class 5 state in 2024 had the injury not occurred. Smith suffered a torn ACL midway through the season, forcing him to watch from the sidelines as his team fought for a playoff spot. Now, fully recovered and back in the lineup, Smith is poised to make a statement in his senior year. With a strong summer camp performance under his belt, scouts are taking notice of his quick release and ability to separate from defenders. As the Hawklets look to build on last year's momentum, Smith's resurgence will be a key factor in their success. What scouts are watching for: Smith's ability to maintain top-end speed and agility throughout the season, as well as his chemistry with new quarterback, Alex Johnson.