Football: Richard Smith is Long Beach Poly’s next big star

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Long Beach Poly Coach Raul Lara isn’t shy in discussing his admiration for junior receiver Richard Smith.

‘I think Richard Smith is our next DeSean Jackson,’ Lara said.

Smith is as good a big-play weapon as there is in the Southland. He doesn’t have the statistics of lots of other receivers because Poly spreads the ball around, but he’s averaging 23.3 yards on 18 catches and has scored four touchdowns.

Smith is part of an outstanding junior receiver trio that also includes Josiah Blandin and Randall Goforth.

Poly is 6-2 and headed for a Moore League championship. The Jackrabbits will be heard from in the Pac-5 Division playoffs.

-- Eric Sondheimer