By Rubin E. Grant
When Tyler Crane was named Oak Mountain’s new head football coach in the spring, no one had to tell him what kind of quarterback he was inheriting.
Crane was an Eagles assistant coach in 2016 and 2017 and was aware of Evan Smith, a dynamic, dual-threat quarterback.
“He was an incoming freshman the year I left, so I knew who he was,” said Crane, who was an assistant at Central-Phenix City before returning to Oak Mountain. “I kept up with him as his career went on.”
This fall, Crane, got to witness Smith’s exploits first-hand during his senior year. Crane installed a spread offense to take more advantage of Smith’s versatility. Smith, who had been the Eagles’ starter since he was a freshman, played in an option attack his first three seasons.
“I knew he would be special in whatever offense we ran,” Crane said. “Evan can do anything with the ball in his hands.”
The 5-foot-9, 170-pound Smith did just that, accounting for 2,294 yards total offense and 28 touchdowns as the Eagles finished with a 7-5 record and reached the second round of the Class 7A state playoffs.
Smith rushed for 1,110 rushing yards on 98 carries, an 11.3 yards per carry average, with 17 touchdowns. He also threw for 1,184 yards and 11 touchdowns, while completing 83-of-153 passes.
He did it despite missing the final two games of the regular season and the second half of another game because of a shoulder injury.
Over the Mountain football coaches took note, voting Smith the 2021 OTM Offensive Player of the Year. It’s the second consecutive year Smith has earned the honor.
“I’m blessed to be named player of the year again,” Smith said, “but it’s not about me. The credit goes to my teammates, coaches and parents. This wouldn’t be possible without them.
“This year was totally different than my other years. I learned a lot in our new system. I liked it better because it gave me more freedom and took some of the weight off my shoulders, getting the ball into the hands of our playmakers more. They all have great skills and it was fun to see them show what they could do.”
Crane raves not only about Smith’s talent but also his leadership skills.
“I think Evan is the best player in the state, the best athlete,” Crane said. “He can play multiple positions. It’s special the things he does. Not many people have the ability to make something out of nothing on a play.
“He’s also a great leader, picking up his teammates and encouraging them, and just by being a competitor. Sometimes the competitor he is gets overshadowed by his pure talent.”
Smith played in the 35th Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic last Saturday in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He threw an interception in the end zone on his only passing attempt in Alabama’s 20-0 victory. Smith also played defensive back, the position he will play in college at Northwestern.
“They have a new defensive coordinator who came from the NFL and they have a good history of taking good athletes and turning them into defensive backs,” Smith said. “They saw that in me and I’m happy to make the move to the secondary.”
Once the Eagles’ football season ended, Smith joined the Oak Mountain basketball team. He helped the Eagles win their first state basketball championship last season.
Smith was one of two quarterbacks voted to the All-OTM offense. The other is Briarwood Christian junior Christopher Vizzina, who passed for 2,247 yards and 18 touchdowns and ran for 649 yards and 16 touchdowns.
The running backs are Briarwood senior Luke Reebals and Hoover junior Ahamari Williams.
Making the team as receivers are Vestavia Hills senior Cole Turner, Mountain Brook senior Jake Thompson, Hoover senior Cotton Peters and John Carroll Catholic senior Quad Harrison. Homewood senior Harvey Ray was selected as the tight end.
On the offensive line are Vestavia Hills senior Hoke Smith, Mountain Brook junior Davis Peterson, Briarwood senior Alex Moorer, Oak Mountain senior Nic Rigdon and Hoover senior Jason Avelar.
Hoover junior Peyton Argent was selected as the place-kicker.
