Preseason Preview: De Smet

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The De Smet Spartans are looking to build off of a 7 win season they had under first year head coach John Merritt in 2022. The Spartans are loaded with talent, much of it young, but it also has a nice group of seniors it can count on for leadership.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Junior QB <strong>Dillion Duff</strong> (6'3" 190) got some nice varsity experience last season and threw for 318 yards and 4 touchdowns in his limited play. The D1 prospect had an outstanding offseason and landed his first two D1 offers from Miami (OH) and Kent State. Duff has the skill set and measurables colleges look for in a quarterback. He's a good athlete with a quick release that can make all the throws, and has put in the time training to hone his skills. Look for more P5 schools to come calling during and after this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior RB <strong>DJ White</strong> (5'10" 185) returns after rushing for 600 yards and 4 touchdowns after being the second leading rusher on the team in 2022. White looked good when I saw him scrimmage at camp this summer. A pair of sophomores <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='849700' first='Jayden' last='McCaster']</strong> (5'9" 170) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='849721' first='Emmanuel' last='Scott'] </strong>( 6'0" 190) also look to figure prominently in the run game as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Spartans lost their top receivers to graduation, but junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='179190' first='Colin' last='Griffin']</strong> (6'4" 195) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1124869' first='Nathan' last='Hatcher']</strong> ( 5'10" 165) had very good summers and look ready to step up. Duff will also have a pair of tight ends to throw to that have D1 offers in senior <strong>Mason Skornia</strong> ( 6'4" 210) and junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='374501' first='Liam' last='Russo']</strong> (6'5" 215). Skornia had 14 receptions for 235 yards and 2 touchdowns as a junior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Junior <strong>Mike Cunningham </strong>(6'4" 275) is the veteran of the offensive line returning. The versatile Cunningham has started on varsity since he was a freshman, and landed his first D1 offer in the offseason from Missouri State. Mike is one of the most technically sound OLs in the state regardless of class. He will most likely be joined by a trio of talented junior transfers in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1118576' first='Dayne' last='Schellenger'] </strong>(6'6" 315), <strong>Sam Robinson</strong> ( 6'3" 265) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1124865' first='Hudson' last='Brewer']</strong> (6'3" 285). Senior <strong>DeAndre Baylark </strong>(5'11" 260) looked to be competing for a spot along the line when I saw them in camp.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>De Smet will feature one of the top defensive line units in the state. EDGE/OLB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='322134' first='Caleb' last='Redd']</strong> (6'4" 215) is committed to Kentucky after leading the St. Louis Metro Area in sacks with 21. Senior DT/NG <strong>Mike Phillips</strong> (6'0" 266) has been in the trenches since his freshman year, and had 32 tackles and 5 sacks. Sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1112565' first='Titan' last='Davis']</strong> (6'5" 235) is a player to watch for this year as he sees more time. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Big-time P5 LB prospect <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='285142' first='Jason' last='King']</strong> (6'2" 210) is back for his junior year. King has offers from Missouri, Kentucky, UNLV, Toledo, and others. He had 90 total tackles, 2 sacks and 2 interceptions as a sophomore. Underrated senior LB <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='931234' first='Ashton' last='Phillips']</strong> (6'1" 225) is back to patrol the middle after contributing 58 tackles last year. He is also receiving attention from colleges. Sophomore <strong>Tayvon Gregory</strong> (5'10" 180) has transferred in from Hazelwood East after being among the leading tacklers in the area with 141 as a freshman.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior Payton Smith (5'10" 165) is the top returner at defensive back for the Spartans. Junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='285174' first='Justin' last='Terry'] </strong>(5'11" 165) and sophomores <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1125478' first='Trevon' last='Collard']</strong> (6'0" 165) and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1130073' first='Amari' last='Williams'] </strong>(5'10" 165) will compete for time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->