Boston College Athletics
Photo by: John Quackenbos
Dual-Threat: A Quarterback's Mind at the Receiver Position
September 13, 2016 | Football, #ForBoston Files
Jeff Smith explains the transition from QB to WR
The lights of Fenway Park were bright but in that moment baseball was far from anyone's mind.
For the first time since 1968 the grounds were prepped for football and the Boston College-Notre Dame rivalry was in full effect. BC quarterback, Jeff Smith broke out of the pocket and made his home in the end zone. The "Holy War" would fall into the hands of the fifth-ranked Irish 19-16, but the duel-threat quarterback's 80-yard touchdown was just the beginning.Â
Now a sophomore, Smith is lining up on the outside of the line - instead of behind it. He transitioned to wide receiver this off-season and is already starting to make his mark.Â
"I played for a few years back at school, but it's definitely more natural because I get to use my speed more."Â
During last Saturday's "Battle of the Bay State", the Eagles' in-state game against Massachusetts, Smith's name rang from the PA system a few more times. His performance included five receptions for 98 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Patrick Towles and Smith combined twice on deep throws and helped lead the Eagles to a 26-7 victory over the Minutemen.
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The offseason was a new experience for Smith, but the transition is already paying off. The biggest adjustment for the receiver has been, "Slowing the game back down from a different viewpoint."Â
Smith also noted the physical differences in the two roles. "I had to get in way better shape. At quarterback we don't run nearly as much so that took a little bit - and also missing a few weeks of camp - but I'm pretty much in game shape."
Saturday, the Eagles will be in Blacksburg, Va., to face longtime rival Virginia Tech. Smith is ready for the challenge.Â
"I know this week the competition will be a lot tougher but we believe in our coach's scheme."Â
Â
For the first time since 1968 the grounds were prepped for football and the Boston College-Notre Dame rivalry was in full effect. BC quarterback, Jeff Smith broke out of the pocket and made his home in the end zone. The "Holy War" would fall into the hands of the fifth-ranked Irish 19-16, but the duel-threat quarterback's 80-yard touchdown was just the beginning.Â
Now a sophomore, Smith is lining up on the outside of the line - instead of behind it. He transitioned to wide receiver this off-season and is already starting to make his mark.Â
"I played for a few years back at school, but it's definitely more natural because I get to use my speed more."Â
During last Saturday's "Battle of the Bay State", the Eagles' in-state game against Massachusetts, Smith's name rang from the PA system a few more times. His performance included five receptions for 98 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Patrick Towles and Smith combined twice on deep throws and helped lead the Eagles to a 26-7 victory over the Minutemen.
Â
Towles said Jeff Smith would be the team's deep threat this season. This 46-yard TD is some proof. pic.twitter.com/wFnYg0wY1j
— Julian Benbow (@julianbenbow) September 10, 2016
The offseason was a new experience for Smith, but the transition is already paying off. The biggest adjustment for the receiver has been, "Slowing the game back down from a different viewpoint."Â
Smith also noted the physical differences in the two roles. "I had to get in way better shape. At quarterback we don't run nearly as much so that took a little bit - and also missing a few weeks of camp - but I'm pretty much in game shape."
Saturday, the Eagles will be in Blacksburg, Va., to face longtime rival Virginia Tech. Smith is ready for the challenge.Â
"I know this week the competition will be a lot tougher but we believe in our coach's scheme."Â
Â
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