First in a sequence of tales profiling prime highschool soccer gamers by place. At present, Brady Smigiel, Newbury Park quarterback.
Honored because the The Instances’ participant of the 12 months in 2024. Handed for greater than 3,200 yards. Accomplished 49 landing passes. Received a Southern Part Division 2 championship. Dedicated to Michigan for school. Rated a five-star quarterback by one recruiting service.
Has Brady Smigiel of Newbury Park Excessive achieved every part he wished to do in highschool going into his senior 12 months?
“I can argue I’m getting even hungrier,” stated the 6-foot-5, 210-pounder.
His former receiver Shane Rosenthal, who’s now at UCLA, has recognized Smigiel since their tee-ball days. Rosenthal stated his finest good friend isn’t happy.
“He knows there’s things to improve on,” Rosenthal stated. “This is just the start of his career. He’s got college next and hopefully the NFL. This is not his final destination. He knows where he wants to get to.”
Smigiel intends to maintain the pedal to the metallic as he performs his ultimate season beneath his father, head coach Joe Smigiel. He was the one who threw a container full of Gatorade on his father’s head final season, drawing a nasty stare as a result of dad had a chilly and didn’t must get moist.
All is forgiven and his father would gladly settle for one other drenching with a bit warning this time. The problem for son shall be creating chemistry along with his new group of receivers and persevering with to progress studying defenses, one thing he did terribly effectively in dropping his interceptions to 3 final season after 14 in 2023.
“There’s no replacing Shane, but there are some very good athletes that came in,” Smigiel stated.
Regardless of his success the final three seasons, which embody 11,222 yards passing and 147 touchdowns, Smigiel insists he has not misplaced his focus.
“There’s a new challenge every season and to know I’m going to college in less than a year makes me even hungrier,” he stated. “I want to be able to get better every single day.”
What a contact move. Brady Smigiel to Drew Cofield. 66 yards. Landing. Newbury Park 24, Murrieta Valley 21. Who’s higher than Smigiel? pic.twitter.com/qfOYmZHV0o
— eric sondheimer (@latsondheimer) December 1, 2024
In April, an instance of his day was getting to highschool at 6:30 a.m. and getting dwelling at 8 p.m. after exercises, lessons and coaching. He has entrusted his coaching to a workers devoted to giving him the instruments to succeed.
“You just want to get stronger and faster,” he stated. “I’m a tall build, so there’s a lot of mass to put weight on. I dropped some bad pounds and started working on my speed training to get more explosive.”
He has made a dedication to Michigan, believing the college is one of the best match for his quarterback type, teachers and growth on and off the sphere. He’s pursuing his dream — the NFL. He remembers being impressed after watching the draft with former Newbury Park and NFL defensive again Darnay Holmes.
Newbury Park coach Joe Smigiel with sons Brady, left, and Beau.
(Nick Koza)
“My dream has been to be in the NFL my whole life,” he stated. “Darnay was at our house and the draft was on and my mom was having a conversation with him. He was about my age right now and his dream was to play in the NFL and the fact it happened and can happen to people you know, it really opened my eyes and is 100% a dream of mine.”
Throughout a vitamin break final spring, Smigiel was hanging out with Rosenthal and appeared up the longer term schedules for Michigan and UCLA. The Bruins shall be in Ann Arbor in 2026, with the Wolverines coming to the Rose Bowl in 2027. One of the best buddies are planning.
“We’ll be doing a jersey exchange,” Rosenthal stated. “I want to be on the same field again.”
Smigiel has matured all through highschool. He has grown continuously, whether or not at school, his bodily dimensions, or his religion. His new offensive coordinator, former Utah quarterback Cam Rising, helps him turn out to be much more ready for the subsequent degree.
The Smigiel journey continues, and it’s going to be fairly a experience to observe.
Wednesday: Valencia operating again Brian Bonner.
Quarterbacks to observe
Bryson Beaver, Vista Murrieta, 6-3, 195, Sr.: Oregon commit handed for 3,214 yards, 33 touchdowns final season
Corin Berry, Constitution Oak, 6-3, 185, Sr. Purdue commit handed for 3,034 yards, 33 touchdowns in 2024
Wyatt Brown, Sherman Oaks Notre Dame, 6-4, 190, Sr.: Santa Monica switch is prepared for Mission League
Luke Fahey, Mission Viejo, 6-0, 185, Sr.: Ohio State commit has nice arm, good instincts and is big-time within the clutch
Ryan Hopkins, Mater Dei, 6-3, 190, Sr.: Wisconsin commit is among the quickest QBs within the state
Jaden Jefferson, Cathedral, 5-9, 175, Jr.: Accomplished 68% of his passes with solely 4 interceptions
Koa Malau’ulu, St. John Bosco, 6-2, 175, So.: Threw for 19 touchdowns as a freshman
Ryan Rakowski, Palos Verdes, 5-11, 170, Jr. : Handed for two,809 yards, 24 touchdowns final season
Oscar Rios, Downey, 6-3, 180, Sr.: Arizona commit is terrific passer, runner and chief
Brady Smigiel, Newbury Park, 6-5, 210, Sr.: Michigan commit has handed for 147 TDs in three seasons
