“It was good to go to a combine and actually get to go to a camp this summer,” Smoot said. “That was our first camp this summer. It was good to do that and be in a football environment and showcase our talents in front of other people.”
Bradley, a defensive back, was named to the overall top-10 by BuckeyeScoop.com that included Alter linebacker C.J. Hicks and Lakota West’s Jyaire Brown. Springfield’s Anthony Brown was named the top wide receiver by BuckeyeScoop.
“It felt really good being out there with different kids across the nation and getting to compete,” Bradley said. “It was good seeing where I’m at against other defensive backs.”
Bradley has 10 offers, including Michigan State University, Iowa State University and the University of Nebraska.
“I’m just looking at every school the same right now,” he said.
Smoot competed against several other strong quarterbacks, including Medina’s Drew Allar and Centerville’s Chase Harrison. Smoot has six scholarship offers, including the University of Kentucky and the University of Toledo.
“The camp can show you what you need to work on, some of the throws you need to work on and get better,” Smoot said. “No one has been able to go to any camp, so all the work has really been on your own. It showed if you’ve actually been working on your game. Everybody threw well, but we know we can keep getting better.”
Fall football practice is scheduled to start on Saturday, although some districts, including Springfield, won’t start until Monday. The Wildcats, who finished the season 12-2 and advanced to the Division I state semifinals for the first time in school history, have been working out twice a week this summer as it prepares to defend its Greater Western Ohio Conference championship.
“It was a tough three months not doing anything with the guys,” said Wildcats coach Maurice Douglass. “It was really tough. It’s been fun just being out here around them and getting back to at least a little bit of the norm.”
The season may look a little different this fall, but Smoot and his teammates are ready to make another run. The GWOC announced earlier this week that it will play conference-only games this season.
“Being one game away from the state championship makes you hungrier,” Smoot said. “Going to the final four, it gives you a vision and the experience. It motivates you to want to get back there. Being seven points away, it makes you want to work harder every day.”
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