Get to know U16 East All Star Team Runningback, Jawaun Smith!

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Jawaun Smith is a running back from Hamilton, Ontario who will be participating at the 2018 International Bowl in Arlington, Texas as a member of the Under-16 Eastern Canadian team.

His first introduction to the sport was when he was seven years old.

“My dad had wanted me to sign up for football,” recalled Smith.  “He brought us to HFA (Hamilton Football Association) and that’s where we started.”

“It’s a great organization, great coaches and a great place to start.”

Throughout his career, the running back has suited up for multiple teams including the Hamilton Junior Tiger-Cats of the Ontario Football Conference (OFC), house league teams in the Hamilton area as well as the Team Ontario squad that were silver medallists at this past July’s U16 Eastern Challenge in Wolfville, Nova Scotia

“It was a very good experience,” reflected Smith of the tournament.  “The coaches were great to me and the overall environment was great.”

“Meeting new players from all around Ontario, learning from their coaches that coach college teams – learning from them was very good.  It improved my game.”

As for the highlight of his career, it’s not about a single moment on the field, but rather the culmination of all the things he’s gained from playing the sport for many years.

“Being able to meet new players, coaches, learning new things from other people and developing skills that I have never learned before,” offered the Ontario standout.  “Overall, it’s just building a bond with the players that I meet and just becoming a better player and person.”

When Smith is on the field, he tries to emulate one of his role models, Marshawn Lynch of the Seattle Seahawks.

“I see myself like him,” the running back added.

Off the field, Smith’s main role model is his father.

“He’s a great person,” Smith expressed.  “He was an athlete, like myself, who due to injuries he has to shut his career short.”

Staying humbled, Smith was excited to learn he made the national team and looks forward to representing Canada at the 2018 International Bowl.

“I am very happy,” elaborated the running back.  “I really want to show  that Canadian football players are just as good as American football players and show what we learned here from our great coaches.”