One of Oregon’s top ranked junior quarterbacks went off in 2011, and he looks to be the guy that Marist will lean on to get them back to a state title game in 2012. Smith transferred from Willamette after his sophomore year and made a home for himself on a team that wasn’t challenged most of the season. Smith threw 46 Tds to 8 Ints for 2,699 yards with a 60 % completion percentage. The Spartans starters (11-1) only needed to play a half in 10 of their 12 games due to blow outs, so it makes Smith’s season extremely impressive statistically.
Kamerun is all of 6-5 and loves to play the game, “I feel very fortunate for my teammates, as none of this would be possible without them”. Marist ran the table and was ranked #1 in the state before an upset loss to eventual state champion Mt View.
A problem out of the Spartans control was the lack of competition within their conference. They blasted opponents to the tune of (524-83) in games 2 through 11 averaging a 52-8 win. Smith had an incredible year currently making him the #1 ranked QB in his class. He was chasing our very own Taylor Barton’s single season Oregon State big school record of (56) touchdown passes.
Marist returns multiple all state kids that will play D1 football, which include James Banks (6-1 220 Jr. LB/FB) and Austin Baird (6-0 180 Jr WR/S). Its a proud football community and a drastic change from a year ago. As a sophomore Smith ran for his life on a Willamette team that struggled mightily with a (1-8) record. He threw 10Tds/ 18 Ints for 1777 yards. Regardless he got some valuable experience and then made the jump to the private school.
“I feel lucky to be where I am and will be working hard to achieve my goals in the future”. Smith has D1 size and his potential is through the roof. It will be important for Smith to see some top competition over the spring and summer as he won’t get a ton of good looks during the regular season. We will continue to follow all of the top athletes in Eugene and look forward to all of the things Kamerun will be doing in the future.
