'I love to compete': Ingleside's Jaydon Smith flourishing for Mustangs in breakout season

INGLESIDE — Jaydon Smith could have easily called it quits after tearing his meniscus in Ingleside's season opener against Mathis.

Fortunately for the Mustangs, quitting doesn't exist in Smith's nature.

The junior wide receiver, who also plays defensive back, made his return in Week 3 against Rockport-Fulton.

Although his playing time was limited, Smith broke out a week later with four touchdown catches against Rio Hondo.

"I love to compete," Smith said. "I want to bring success to Ingleside and have people have a reason to come to football games and be excited. I want to be a contribution to that."

Smith hasn't showed any signs of slowing down since his injury. In fact, his play has elevated more than ever and has been a key reason why Ingleside is averaging more than 46 points a game this season.

Smith's dedicated his offseason to improving his speed, route running and going to the gym three times a day.

After last week's win against Robstown, Smith has 32 catches for 828 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns, which leads the Coastal Bend in Class 4A and 5A.

Smith is also two touchdown receptions away from tying the school record set by co-offensive coordinator David McHugh during the 2011 season.

"It means a good amount to me because last year I didn't have a good season," Smith said. "It shows how much I worked over the summer and how my hard work is paying off and my dedication to the game."

Smith was born in Corpus Christi but grew up in Darien, Georgia. He eventually moved to the Coastal Bend when he was 4 and began playing football at age 5.

Smith's inspiration to play football came from his older brother James, who also played for Ingleside.

In fact, Smith's younger brother Jordan is currently on the team as a sophomore.

"Any type of family affair that you can have is special," Ingleside coach Hunter Hamrick said. "They're all uniquely different and they have different personality traits. The coolest part of being a coach is utilizing them differently because they're not the same."

Smith grew up wanting to be a running back and idolized players such as Walter Payton and Barry Sanders.

His decision to make receiver his primary position comes from his ability to play multiple positions and outrun most defenders. It's easy to say it was a decision that's worked out for the Mustangs' high-scoring offense.

"We know he's athletic and he's my go-to option," Ingleside quarterback Aidan Jakobsohn said. "I have to feed him the ball and I know he'll win every matchup. That record for him shows our hard work over the years and to be a part of it is really cool."

If anyone knows Smith, it's Jakobsohn. The two have been close friends since an early age and developed their bond even more in high school.

When Jakobsohn needs to make a key pass, he doesn't hesitate to find his go-to receiver.

"His rout running is more than just getting off the defensive back," said Jakobsohn, who has passed for a Class 4A-best 2,046 yards and 31 touchdowns. "After he takes off, he knows where to go and has a good football IQ. He's very smart."

Hamrick said it's special to see Smith come back from his injury and even with limited playing time, produce the numbers he has.

Smith said he tries not to put too much pressure on his knee and is cautious with how he return balls on special teams and when he plays defense.

"It's special and it's something we're trying to instill in all of our kids," Hamrick said. "A kid that is having a year that he's having with an injury that he's having... He's really not even being demanded of what he's capable of. It's a blessing to have a kid that can do those things."

Smith also competes on the basketball court and the long jump during track season.

His goal now is to help Ingleside compete for a district championship and make a run in the playoffs.

The Mustangs (7-1, 2-0) have won five consecutive games and play Orange Grove on Friday before concluding the regular season at home against rival Sinton.

"We're really excited to have a chance to compete for a district title," Smith said. "All the seniors here haven't beaten Sinton and we're looking forward to it this year."

This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Ingleside's Jaydon Smith flourishing for Mustangs in special season