It is a childhood dream come true for Ashville’s Zac Smith. He is getting the opportunity to play college football. Last week, the 18-year-old senior signed a scholarship with Mississippi College, a Division III school in Jackson, Miss.Smith is the son of Rusty Smith and Donna Sligh-Smith of Ashville. He has always attended the Ashville schools and been a member of the varsity Bulldog football team the past five years.
“I’m tickled for him,” said his mother. “That’s what he wants to do so I’m proud for him. He had a great high school career and I think he will do good at college.”
Smith said he was very grateful and happy to be able to continue to play football. Other colleges interested in Smith included Jacksonville State University, University of South Alabama and West Alabama.
“I chose Mississippi College because I liked the atmosphere and facilities when I visited there,” Smith said. “One of the coaches there is Jack Peavey, the brother of my former head coach at Ashville Scott Peavey. He convinced me I would see playing time as a freshman and that Mississippi College would be playing for a national title before I left in four years.
In the past three years, Smith was in on 370 tackles from his middle linebacker position. He led the team all three years.
His long-range dream is to one day play professional football in the NFL.
Ashville head football coach Jonathan Nix said he is glad Smith is getting this opportunity.
“He is undersized at 5-foot, 9-inches, but he makes up for it with his heart,” Nix said. “His strength is unreal. He can bench 225 pounds 24 times nonstop. Guys his size really have to take a chance. He has the best work ethic I’ve ever been around.”
