Danny Smith doesn't have much down time for the Oakcrest High School football team.
The 5-foot-11, 178-pound senior plays quarterback, running back and defensive back for the Falcons. Smith has thrown three touchdown passes and rushed for a touchdown this season.
On defense, the Mays Landing resident leads the team with 63 tackles.
"I like doing whatever they need me to do for the team," Smith said.
Although the Falcons are winless this season, Oakcrest made the playoffs the past two seasons. Smith hopes to play in college but has yet to pick a school.
Oakcrest plays at Holy Spirit (4-3) at 7 p.m. today. The Falcons will then play two more games - a consolation game next weekend and the annual matchup with Absegami on Thanksgiving.
In a telephone interview Thursday night, Smith spoke about several topics, including the frustration of this season and what he likes best about playing football.
On how he prepares for playing different positions: My coaches have me practicing every single position, getting in my (repetitions) during the week of practice.
On Oakcrest's 0-7 record: I'm very frustrated but at the same time I'm learning a lot. Teams are not going to win every single game. We have a lot of young players. I'm helping them, so they can have a bright future. Our coaches push enough so that everyone is still working hard.
On how he started playing football: I was 6 years old, and my dad said signed me up. I remember this day like it was yesterday. I was at the soccer field playing soccer. He said, "Do you want to play football?" I said "sure." I've played every single year of my life since then.
On what he likes about football: I like everything. Football is a lot of things. It shows character, determination, and motivation. It shows what you have inside of you. Anything can come at you and you have to work through it.
On his high school football career coming to an end: I do not want it to end. I want to get a win to remember a win my senior year. I'm going to miss it so much.
On his favorite thing to do on the football field: I definitely like defense best. I don't mind getting hit, but I like hitting people more.
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