Stanley Smart Spotlighted by Savannah Morning News
The Cadet squad is filled with top-notch recruits including four-star senior receiver Bubba Frazier (committed to Notre Dame), senior quarterback Stephen Cannon (committed to Texas Tech), senior defensive lineman Kam Cody (a 4-star headed to Clemson) and junior 5-star edge La'Damion Guyton, the transfer from Savannah Christian who is the top-rated junior recruit, across all positions, in the country by Rivals.com.
Benedictine running back Stanley Smart Jr. is known for his big-play ability and blazing speed. Last spring, Smart ran a personal best of 10.63 in the 100 meters and finished sixth in the Class 4A state meet in that event, while also running legs on the Cadet 4x100 and 4x200 meter relay teams that won gold medals.
As a sophomore, Smart led the Cadets with 730 yards rushing, with three touchdowns on the ground. He also caught six passes for 83 yards and a score.
"It's been a blessing to have so may schools recruiting me," Smart said. "And I'm glad I have a lot of teammates who know about the recruiting world. I can ask them about everything, so I know what I'm getting into. It's definitely been a confidence boost, but it's also helped me become more mature.
"He's well grounded and active in our church. I love going to his games and enjoying those moments, but I'll still give him a little bit of a critique if I see something he can be working on. And he wants to keep working, he doesn't want to get complacent. We're very, very proud of him."
Benedictine running back Stanley Smart Jr. is known for his big-play ability and blazing speed. Last spring, Smart ran a personal best of 10.63 in the 100 meters and finished sixth in the Class 4A state meet in that event, while also running legs on the Cadet 4x100 and 4x200 meter relay teams that won gold medals.
"It's been a blessing to have so may schools recruiting me," Smart said. "And I'm glad I have a lot of teammates who know about the recruiting world. I can ask them about everything, so I know what I'm getting into. It's definitely been a confidence boost, but it's also helped me become more mature.
"He's well grounded and active in our church. I love going to his games and enjoying those moments, but I'll still give him a little bit of a critique if I see something he can be working on. And he wants to keep working, he doesn't want to get complacent. We're very, very proud of him."
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"It's been a blessing to have so may schools recruiting me," Smart said. "And I'm glad I have a lot of teammates who know about the recruiting world. I can ask them about everything, so I know what I'm getting into. It's definitely been a confidence boost, but it's also helped me become more mature.
"Now I know I have to be playing at the highest level because everyone is watching every move you make on the field, and even when you're off the field in public," he said. "You have to do all the right things, even when you think nobody is looking."
FOOTBALL
How Benedictine running back Stanley Smart Jr. has become a blue-chip college prospect
Portrait of Dennis KnightDennis Knight
Savannah Morning News
How Benedictine running back Stanley Smart Jr. has become a blue-chip college prospect
Portrait of Dennis KnightDennis Knight
Savannah Morning News
Benedictine running back Stanley Smart Jr. is known for his big-play ability and blazing speed. Last spring, Smart ran a personal best of 10.63 in the 100 meters and finished sixth in the Class 4A state meet in that event, while also running legs on the Cadet 4x100 and 4x200 meter relay teams that won gold medals.
Cadet football coach Danny Britt loves having that kind of explosiveness in his offense, but said Smart, a rising junior, is also a complete football player who checks all the boxes.
"Stanley is very fast, but he's also very physical," Britt said. "He's just under 200 pounds now at 5-foot-11, and it's solid muscle. He's dedicated in the weight room and getting stronger every day. He's in our Iron Cadet Elite Club with a bench of more than 300 pounds, a squat around 450 and a power clean in the 300-pound range. He's tough to bring down and we're expecting great things from him this year."
As a sophomore, Smart led the Cadets with 730 yards rushing, with three touchdowns on the ground. He also caught six passes for 83 yards and a score.
College recruiters have taken notice and Smart holds 11 offers including Georgia Tech, Auburn, Duke, Texas Tech and Minnesota.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
Benedictine alum Justin Thomas Jr. talks College World Series run, MLB Draft looming
When and where: 2025 Savannah-area high school football schedules
Who are the top returning quarterbacks in the Greater Savannah area for 2025?
Why Notre Dame stood out from the rest for Benedictine football receiver Bubba Frazier
How Calvary Day beat cross-town rival Savannah Christian to win a state baseball championship
Why Texas Tech was the choice for Benedictine's star junior quarterback Stephen Cannon
Why Clemson was the pick for 4-star Benedictine defensive lineman Kameron Cody
Savannah area track stars Kendrick Joshua and Coray Stafford notch wins on national stage
The Cadet squad is filled with top-notch recruits including four-star senior receiver Bubba Frazier (committed to Notre Dame), senior quarterback Stephen Cannon (committed to Texas Tech), senior defensive lineman Kam Cody (a 4-star headed to Clemson) and junior 5-star edge La'Damion Guyton, the transfer from Savannah Christian who is the top-rated junior recruit, across all positions, in the country by Rivals.com.
Benedictine alum Justin Thomas Jr. talks College World Series run, MLB Draft looming
When and where: 2025 Savannah-area high school football schedules
Who are the top returning quarterbacks in the Greater Savannah area for 2025?
Why Notre Dame stood out from the rest for Benedictine football receiver Bubba Frazier
How Calvary Day beat cross-town rival Savannah Christian to win a state baseball championship
Why Texas Tech was the choice for Benedictine's star junior quarterback Stephen Cannon
Why Clemson was the pick for 4-star Benedictine defensive lineman Kameron Cody
Savannah area track stars Kendrick Joshua and Coray Stafford notch wins on national stage
The Cadet squad is filled with top-notch recruits including four-star senior receiver Bubba Frazier (committed to Notre Dame), senior quarterback Stephen Cannon (committed to Texas Tech), senior defensive lineman Kam Cody (a 4-star headed to Clemson) and junior 5-star edge La'Damion Guyton, the transfer from Savannah Christian who is the top-rated junior recruit, across all positions, in the country by Rivals.com.
"It's been a blessing to have so may schools recruiting me," Smart said. "And I'm glad I have a lot of teammates who know about the recruiting world. I can ask them about everything, so I know what I'm getting into. It's definitely been a confidence boost, but it's also helped me become more mature.
"Now I know I have to be playing at the highest level because everyone is watching every move you make on the field, and even when you're off the field in public," he said. "You have to do all the right things, even when you think nobody is looking."
Benedictine's Stanley Smart, Jr throws a stiff-arm to Burke County's Rashad Carter during their matchup on Friday, August 30, 2024 at Memorial Stadium.
Smart comes from athletic bloodlines. His father, Stanley Smart Sr., won the Finocchiaro Award as the top football player in Savannah as a senior playing for Beach in 1988 and was also an All-City baseball player. His father's first cousin, Tim Smart, won the Finocchiaro honor for Groves in 1985.
Smart comes from athletic bloodlines. His father, Stanley Smart Sr., won the Finocchiaro Award as the top football player in Savannah as a senior playing for Beach in 1988 and was also an All-City baseball player. His father's first cousin, Tim Smart, won the Finocchiaro honor for Groves in 1985.
"My dad has always been a big influence," Smart said. "He got me into track when I was young, and used to coach me in youth football. I'll have random people come up to me all the time and say that my dad was a bad man back in the day."
Smart Sr. remembers his high school days well. He said he rushed for about 1,300 yards in his senior year at Beach and also played linebacker and defensive end. He learned that hard work pays off when he won the Finocchiaro Award, and has tried to pass that lesson along to his son.
"Stanley has great size and speed, but what impresses me the most is his willingness to work," Smart Sr. said. "Some days he'll go to school, have a football workout and then have track and field practice — but he never complains, because he just wants to get better. "He's well grounded and active in our church. I love going to his games and enjoying those moments, but I'll still give him a little bit of a critique if I see something he can be working on. And he wants to keep working, he doesn't want to get complacent. We're very, very proud of him."
FOOTBALL
How Benedictine running back Stanley Smart Jr. has become a blue-chip college prospect
Portrait of Dennis KnightDennis Knight
Savannah Morning News
How Benedictine running back Stanley Smart Jr. has become a blue-chip college prospect
Portrait of Dennis KnightDennis Knight
Savannah Morning News
Benedictine running back Stanley Smart Jr. is known for his big-play ability and blazing speed. Last spring, Smart ran a personal best of 10.63 in the 100 meters and finished sixth in the Class 4A state meet in that event, while also running legs on the Cadet 4x100 and 4x200 meter relay teams that won gold medals.
Cadet football coach Danny Britt loves having that kind of explosiveness in his offense, but said Smart, a rising junior, is also a complete football player who checks all the boxes.
"Stanley is very fast, but he's also very physical," Britt said. "He's just under 200 pounds now at 5-foot-11, and it's solid muscle. He's dedicated in the weight room and getting stronger every day. He's in our Iron Cadet Elite Club with a bench of more than 300 pounds, a squat around 450 and a power clean in the 300-pound range. He's tough to bring down and we're expecting great things from him this year."
As a sophomore, Smart led the Cadets with 730 yards rushing, with three touchdowns on the ground. He also caught six passes for 83 yards and a score.
College recruiters have taken notice and Smart holds 11 offers including Georgia Tech, Auburn, Duke, Texas Tech and Minnesota.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
Benedictine alum Justin Thomas Jr. talks College World Series run, MLB Draft looming
When and where: 2025 Savannah-area high school football schedules
Who are the top returning quarterbacks in the Greater Savannah area for 2025?
Why Notre Dame stood out from the rest for Benedictine football receiver Bubba Frazier
How Calvary Day beat cross-town rival Savannah Christian to win a state baseball championship
Why Texas Tech was the choice for Benedictine's star junior quarterback Stephen Cannon
Why Clemson was the pick for 4-star Benedictine defensive lineman Kameron Cody
Savannah area track stars Kendrick Joshua and Coray Stafford notch wins on national stage
The Cadet squad is filled with top-notch recruits including four-star senior receiver Bubba Frazier (committed to Notre Dame), senior quarterback Stephen Cannon (committed to Texas Tech), senior defensive lineman Kam Cody (a 4-star headed to Clemson) and junior 5-star edge La'Damion Guyton, the transfer from Savannah Christian who is the top-rated junior recruit, across all positions, in the country by Rivals.com.
Benedictine alum Justin Thomas Jr. talks College World Series run, MLB Draft looming
When and where: 2025 Savannah-area high school football schedules
Who are the top returning quarterbacks in the Greater Savannah area for 2025?
Why Notre Dame stood out from the rest for Benedictine football receiver Bubba Frazier
How Calvary Day beat cross-town rival Savannah Christian to win a state baseball championship
Why Texas Tech was the choice for Benedictine's star junior quarterback Stephen Cannon
Why Clemson was the pick for 4-star Benedictine defensive lineman Kameron Cody
Savannah area track stars Kendrick Joshua and Coray Stafford notch wins on national stage
The Cadet squad is filled with top-notch recruits including four-star senior receiver Bubba Frazier (committed to Notre Dame), senior quarterback Stephen Cannon (committed to Texas Tech), senior defensive lineman Kam Cody (a 4-star headed to Clemson) and junior 5-star edge La'Damion Guyton, the transfer from Savannah Christian who is the top-rated junior recruit, across all positions, in the country by Rivals.com.
"It's been a blessing to have so may schools recruiting me," Smart said. "And I'm glad I have a lot of teammates who know about the recruiting world. I can ask them about everything, so I know what I'm getting into. It's definitely been a confidence boost, but it's also helped me become more mature.
"Now I know I have to be playing at the highest level because everyone is watching every move you make on the field, and even when you're off the field in public," he said. "You have to do all the right things, even when you think nobody is looking."
Benedictine's Stanley Smart, Jr throws a stiff-arm to Burke County's Rashad Carter during their matchup on Friday, August 30, 2024 at Memorial Stadium.
Smart comes from athletic bloodlines. His father, Stanley Smart Sr., won the Finocchiaro Award as the top football player in Savannah as a senior playing for Beach in 1988 and was also an All-City baseball player. His father's first cousin, Tim Smart, won the Finocchiaro honor for Groves in 1985.
Smart comes from athletic bloodlines. His father, Stanley Smart Sr., won the Finocchiaro Award as the top football player in Savannah as a senior playing for Beach in 1988 and was also an All-City baseball player. His father's first cousin, Tim Smart, won the Finocchiaro honor for Groves in 1985.
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"My dad has always been a big influence," Smart said. "He got me into track when I was young, and used to coach me in youth football. I'll have random people come up to me all the time and say that my dad was a bad man back in the day."
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"My dad has always been a big influence," Smart said. "He got me into track when I was young, and used to coach me in youth football. I'll have random people come up to me all the time and say that my dad was a bad man back in the day."
Smart Sr. remembers his high school days well. He said he rushed for about 1,300 yards in his senior year at Beach and also played linebacker and defensive end. He learned that hard work pays off when he won the Finocchiaro Award, and has tried to pass that lesson along to his son.
Benedictine's Stanley Smart, Jr dances along the sideline as he gains yardage against Ware County on Friday October 11, 2024 at Memorial Stadium.
"Stanley has great size and speed, but what impresses me the most is his willingness to work," Smart Sr. said. "Some days he'll go to school, have a football workout and then have track and field practice — but he never complains, because he just wants to get better.
"Stanley has great size and speed, but what impresses me the most is his willingness to work," Smart Sr. said. "Some days he'll go to school, have a football workout and then have track and field practice — but he never complains, because he just wants to get better.
"He's well grounded and active in our church. I love going to his games and enjoying those moments, but I'll still give him a little bit of a critique if I see something he can be working on. And he wants to keep working, he doesn't want to get complacent. We're very, very proud of him."
Benedictine's Stanley Smart, Jr finds some running room against the Ware County defense on Friday October 11, 2024 at Memorial Stadium.
Smart Jr. said he has some individual goals this season that include rushing for 900 yards (at the minimum), with 1,200 yards of total offense. He said blocking is also something he takes pride in.
Smart Jr. said he has some individual goals this season that include rushing for 900 yards (at the minimum), with 1,200 yards of total offense. He said blocking is also something he takes pride in.
"If you're not going to block, there's really no reason you should get the ball," Smart said. "You block for your teammates and they block for you — that's the key to winning games."
BC's gold medal winning relay squads included Smart’s football teammates Frazier, Cannon, Eron Mallard and Cole Henderson. He said the bond they have is unbreakable — and will carry over to the football season.
"Our team goal of winning the state championship is the most important thing," Smart said. "We've got a lot of talent on defense and offense this year. We've done a lot of team bonding and we realize this is the last chance for our senior class to make a state championship run. Our goal is get that state championship ring."
