Red Bank Catholic's Liam Smith Honored For Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl Selection

Photo above: Smith receiving his Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl game-day jersey at Tuesday’s ceremony.

RED BANK – As massive 6-foot-5, 285-pound offensive tackle Liam Smith stood at the podium to receive his Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl game-day jersey Tuesday at the Vincent J. Eck Student Center – presented to him by members of the United States Marine Corp - his humility and modesty were evident before he even uttered a word.

“I was thrilled, I was kind of surprised; it came out of nowhere,” Smith said. “It’s such an honor and privilege to be able to go out there in California and play on national television and represent my friends, my family and my community. I’d especially like to thank the Marine Corp. for putting on this event and selecting me. Without the things the Marines do for us every day we wouldn’t have the opportunity to pursue things like football and enjoy the freedom we have; so again I’d like to thank the Marines.”

Bordering on tears that spoke volumes of the type of man this gentle giant is, his sincerity rang true as he quietly but firmly thanked everyone from his extended family for their support and love, his head coach Jim Portella, his teammates - which he referred to as his second family saying “you’re all my brother’s and I wouldn’t be here without you.” He also thanked the athletic staff, cheerleaders, the administration staff and the entire Casey community which he said ”made such a big impact on my life.”

His gratitude for all the opportunities bestowed upon him during his three years at Red Bank Catholic High School in the class room and on the playing field flowed from him as freely as one of his trademark pancake blocks which he’s famous for.

“First of all, everything starts with Liam as a person,” Portella said. “For all our players we make sure they understand that their value to us isn’t as football players it’s as people, and Liam’s a good kid, a great leader and a mentor for the younger guys. Obviously he’s a very gifted football player, but what I’ve found, the kids that do really well at the next level are kids that are not just good football players but are the ones that have a great desire to improve and a great desire to work at their trade, and Liam has that.”

“Coach Portella has been the best coach I’ve ever had,” Smith said. “He’s a great leader, he’s intense, he gets on his players and expects the best out of everyone. He demands that you give your best effort so you reach your potential and that’s meant a lot in my development.”

As a junior, Smith was selected first team All-Shore and second team All-State by the Star ledger while leading his team to their first state title since 1976. He helped pave the way to a total 2,804-rushing yard for a 233.7 per- game average including 167-yards rushing against a very good Delbarton defense in their Non-Public Group III championship win ending a 38-year drought.

This season, 247 Sports has him ranked the No.1 offensive tackle in New Jersey, the 14th best overall prospect in N.J. and the 41st ranked offensive tackle in the nation. On April 13 of this year, Smith made a verbal commitment to continue his football career at Duke University in 2016.

Two additional Duke University commits offensive tackle Robert Kraeling from Prince Avenue Christian School in Bogart, Georgia and outside linebacker Koby Quansah of Kingsford-Oxford High School in West Hartford, Connecticut accepted invitations to play in the game and Liam has already been in touch with his future teammates.

“I haven’t been able to meet them yet,” Smith said. “But we’ve talked and we text and tweet to each other all the time.”

“I chose Duke University for a number of reasons,” Smith said. “It was where I was the most comfortable and I think their football program is heading in a great direction. I think they got great leadership at the coaching positions and all the teammates I’m going to have there are going to be really solid players that I can count on. And the academics kind off just speak for themselves, they’re phenomenal. I like business and communications and they’ve got great programs in those areas.”

“It’s not only a great honor for Liam, but for the program as well,” Portella said. “Liam’s going to have a great experience at the Semper Fidelis Bowl so we’re very excited for him. It’s a great opportunity to see some kids he’s going to play with at the next level and get an idea of the speed of the game at the next level and the physicality of the game at that level.”

The bowl name Semper Fidelis is Latin for “always faithful” which is the motto of the United States Marine Corps and has particular significance for Smith. “That’s kind of a similar motto to the one we have here at Red Bank Catholic,” Smith said. “Everyone on our team is willing to do whatever it takes to be successful as a team, so if that means playing a position you’re not used to playing or doing anything out of the ordinary all my teammates will do whatever it takes.”

Smith’s job is far from over at Red Bank Catholic before he takes off for Duke University. The Caseys only loss last season was to Jackson Memorial and the two teams meet at Count Basie Field on the final week of the regular season, November 6. Currently the Caseys (4-0) are ranked third in the Asbury Park Press Poll while Jackson Memorial (3-1) is ranked fifth. Then there are the playoffs and chance to win back-to-back championships.

“We want to go undefeated this year, we don’t want any trip ups like last year,” Smith said. “And we want to win another state championship.”

The Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl will be televised on Sunday, January 3, 2016 on Fox Sports 1. Live from the Stub Hub Center on the campus of California St. University.

“The Marines have a motto,” Portella said. “ ’Once a Marine, Always a Marine.’ We have a similar motto here at Red Bank Catholic, ‘Once a Casey, Always a Casey’ and we’re just so proud of Liam for what he’s brought to the Red Bank Catholic program.”

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