Smith sheds his locks, vows to lead Panthers to state

On the field, the Powell star hopes to break more tackles and gain more yards after a pass reception.

Off the field, Smith fully expects to be a more-sincere leader instead of the fun-loving, bushy-haired player of the past.

The flowing locks are a thing of the past. Smith is sporting a hairstyle that would make an Army private proud. The new hairstyle marks the transformation.

Three months after committing to play football at Tennessee, Smith vows to become more of a leader this season. He'll need to be just that after Powell's tumultuous off-season.

The turmoil began when head coach Larry Stephens resigned on Jan. 20 and returned little more than a week later.

"It was definitely a distraction," Smith said. "Every player from quarterback to wide receiver to linebacker were all devastated and couldn't understand why he would leave us when we were about to be so strong.

"The off-season was kind of crazy. When coach Stephens left, that was a surprise and disappointment to everybody. Nobody was too excited about that at all. When he came back, everything got back to normal."

The welcomed sense of normalcy didn't last long. Defensive coordinator Russ Partin resigned in April after coaching seven years at Powell. Partin cited personal reasons for his departure and is considering other coaching opportunities.

"He's my favorite defensive line coach I've ever had," Smith said. "It's definitely going to be different not having him around. I'd give anything to have him back. But now that that's done, you can't go back and change anything, so everybody needs to keep their head on straight and work hard this summer."

Smith knows it won't be solely up to Stephens, who is 12-11 at Powell, to make sure Powell is on the right track this summer. As with any football team, more leaders will be needed to maintain the team's discipline. Smith welcomes the challenge.

"I needed to become more of a leader in practice and in the weight room," Smith said. "I never really worked hard to set an example outside of the field. I always just liked to have fun. This year, I need to be more stern with the younger kids to get them to work harder."

The change started with the trimming shears.

"It was hard to do," Smith said with a laugh. "My friends talked me into it so I decided to cut it all off."

Smith said the new 'do' helps complete his new image, that some could have viewed him as an outcast.

The change in attitude could work to UT's advantage. Tennessee's coaches hope the affable Smith will have a far-reaching impact. UT's second pledge of the 2006 class could become one of its best recruiters.

"If I talk to the coaches and they give me a little wink about what player they might be really interested in, I'll definitely go up to them and tell them what a great town Knoxville is, how much there is to do, and how Tennessee football is every kid's dream around here," Smith said. "They (some prospects) just don't understand how great it will be, how the fans are awesome. It's hard to argue with a 100,000 screaming fans."

Soon, the off-season tribulations at Powell will be a distant memory, overshadowed by the hope that is annually associated with a season's new beginning. That time may have already come. State championship dreams are tough to subdue.

"It's the best spring I've ever participated in," Smith said. "I think we're going to have a chance to do more than we've ever done ... I definitely think that we have a chance to go to state. If there is any doubt in your mind, then you won't do it."

Not bad for a leader who's still training on the job.