Toronto’s Smith commits to Iowa Hawkeyes (Video)

Tevaun Smith is one step closer to realizing his football dreams.

Smith has made a huge decision regarding his football career as he has decided to commit to the NCAA Iowa Hawkeyes next season. Having a great relationship with the entire coaching staff and a keen interest in the history of the football program played a key role in the wide receiver’s decision.

“Seeing that the coaching staff is really solid, there is a great chance that the coaching staff will not leave,” adds Smith.” The head coach, Kirk Ferentz is well known.”

“The wide receiver coach Erik Campbell is a great coach and I know being coached under him will turn me into the wide receiver I hope to be in the near future.”

One of his future goals is to become a very physical and fast wide receiver that is comparable to Oklahoma State’s Justin Blackmon. While he loves to watch NFL receivers Dez Bryant and Calvin Johnson, he would ideally love to emulate the play of Jerry Rice and Hines Ward.

He is confident that the Hawkeyes have the right program that will enable him to achieve these goals.

“I think that Iowa will not only make me a better football player but make me a better person because the people there are great,” explains Smith.

Getting into the NCAA ranks is a great feat for the Torontonian. Smith appreciates those who were there to support and encourage him while trying to achieve his football aspirations and goals.

“I want to thank of course my family and friends for supporting me,” says the wide receiver. “My coach Patrick Diodati back at Chaminade College for taking me to all the camps and getting me into my school work when I was underclassmen and just all the people that either trained me or spoke to me about life and how to become a better person on and off the field.”

Smith’s drive for success comes from the positive influence his mother has been in his life.

“The most influential person in my life is my mother because she always pushes me and makes sure I’m on top of both training and school work,” comments Smith. “Not too many mothers will make sure you’re working hard in the gym.”

Additionally, Smith says he credits former football player Godfrey Smith with mentoring him on how to achieve his goals.

“Godfrey Lewis is also a person that really helps and got me through this whole process by giving me advice and teaching me the secrets of becoming a better person/athlete,” says star player.

Born and raised in Toronto, the 6’1, 187 pound wide receiver played for the Toronto Metro Wildcats (OVFL) and Chaminade College School Gryphons. In the 2010-2011 season, Smith got MVP for the Gryphons.

For his exceptional play this season with Kent School in Connecticut, Smith made All New England offensive player. Additionally, he led Kent into championship football game against Taft and says losing that game is the highlight of his football career.

“The reason for that is because we had a lot ups and downs in the season but we still made it to the championship game by going through adversity,” comments Smith, who will represent Team World at the IFAF game in Texas next month. “It really motivated me and teaches me that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.”

Overcoming adversity in football has helped the graduating standout in tackling other aspects of life.

“I learned that your failures are the building blocks to your success,” adds Smith.

All of the success that Smith has experienced in his young football career has not come easy. He has spent a lot of time and effort so he could reach for his goals.

“The process is really long and getting where I am took a lot of hard work and sacrifice,” says the star player, whose back-up plan is to go into business or sports management. “It’s a real grind.”

Now that he is one step closer to playing in the pro ranks, Smith offers some advice for any players who have aspirations of playing in the NCAA and beyond.

“I just would like to let them know that it isn’t easy but if you’re willing to give up certain things and work hard then you can do what it takes; the traveling, the camps, the long recruiting process, the training and of course the school work are all things that should be taken care of and it isn’t easy at all,” says the future Hawkeye. “It’s very easy to give up but so much harder to grind it out.”

Watch Video of Tevaun’s Football Highlights:

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