Football: Jacob Smith is the real deal at Granada Hills

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The City Section has another top running back, and his name is Jacob Smith, a junior at Granada Hills.

Just days after being declared eligible by the City Section, Smith made his debut for the Highlanders on Friday night and came away with 171 yards rushing and four touchdowns in a 42-13 victory over Sun Valley Poly.

Smith had spent months trying to become eligible after transferring from Sherman Oaks Notre Dame to Canyon Country Canyon and then Granada Hills.

‘It was so much fun,’ he said of his return to the football field. ‘I was thinking about it for a month. I enjoyed it so much.’

Smith has the kind of blazing speed that can’t be taught. He has even convinced his coach, Billy Parra, who loves the passing game, to become a fan of the running game.

‘He brings another dimension to the offense,’ Parra said. ‘For years, I’ve been a passing guy, but now that I have a running back, it’s changed my philosophy.’

And Smith also is an outstanding 100-meter runner who looks forward to racing Crenshaw’s De’Anthony Thomas in the spring.

‘That’s my main goal to win City,’ he said.

-- Eric Sondheimer