Josh Haley
Sports Correspondent
INOLA —
Inola senior running back Jacob Smith knows the feeling of individual success.
As a junior, Smith broke the 1,000 yard barrier while averaging over seven yards per carry.
The Longhorns star however, feels like 2010 can be an even better year.
“Now that everyone has had a year to get acclimated with coach (Lynn) Cutshaw's system, we have all improved,” said Smith.
Smith and his fellow Longhorns believe in their second-year coach's ability.
“It is because of him that I was able to run the ball so well last year,” said Smith. “He and the other coaches spend countless hours watching film so that they always have an answer for our opponents.”
With virtually everyone returning on offense from a year ago, the Longhorns should not experience any surprises between one another.
“I think the offensive line is twice as good as last year,” said Smith.”They have worked extremely hard this summer and they all understand our offensive objectives.”
Another positive aspect for Smith heading into the 2010 season is the addition of senior Bryan Varnell who transferred in from Claremore.
Varnell is expected to help carry the load from the backfield and also play a key defensive role at strong side linebacker.
“Having Bryan here takes a lot of pressure off of me,” said Smith. “He is very talented and we are excited to have him back.”
Varnell is a Longhorn at heart after playing youth football in Inola and has remained friends with most of the current senior players.
Leading these two veteran backs into the trenches will be junior fullback Chase Holbrook who also held down a starting role last season.
“Chase is very quick and does a great job filling the gaps early,” said Smith.
A running back could have one-hundred things flowing through their head before each snap.
For Smith, it's the same thing every time.
“Make the first tackler miss.”
