Q & A with newly committed SDSU running back Brandon Smith

Credit: Brandon Smith

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Credit SDSU Athletics

A Question and Answer interview with junior high school running back Brandon Smith, who has committed to San Diego State University.Ā 

Brandon Smith is a versatile running back out of Central East High School in Fresno.

In his junior season, the 2026 graduate put up 2,234 all-purpose yards. He rushed for 1,871 yards on 277 carries and scored 25 touchdowns. He shows great skill in making defenders miss and also displays an ability to run over the defense. There is a lot to like about his game.

The talented youngster played both sides of the ball and was an effective, strong safety for his high school team. In fact, his high school career started as a strong safety during his freshman year. Smith did not start playing two ways until his sophomore year when he exploded on offense.

His mother played a vital part in his life development as Smith has grown into an exceptional person. He sends a lot of love to her for making him who he is today.

Here is a brief interview with Smith as he talks about the game and his abilities on the field.

 

What is your earliest memory of the game?

“Watching a Seattle Seahawk game when I was probably 4 or 5 years old. I can never forget watching the Legion of Boom Squad and Marshawn Lynch playing. That game has made me a Seahawks fan for life.”

 

Where does your motivation come from? Parents? Coaches? Internal?

“I have always loved playing any sport, and thankfully, my mom has let me try everything. I just want to be the best on any playing field, and I am always trying to figure out how I can get better, whether I get a win or not. Of course, having the support of my mother means more than anything. I can always look in the stands and see she is there. But she keeps me very humble.”

 

Credit: Brandon Smith

Why did you pick SDSU over other schools? What is it about the school that did it for you?

“Whether I am attending games or watching them on TV, the spread offense is familiar to me as my high school team currently plays the same way. It is a play scheme that I am comfortable with and know it will further help develop my style of play.”

 

Which SDSU coach are you bonding with?

“Coach Hagan and Coach McGorisk are my guys. But Coach Hagan would call or text just to check on me and make sure I was good overall. Sometimes, we talk about football and the vision of the SDSU staff. Other times, it is to get to know me as more than an athlete and build a genuine relationship.”

 

Describe your game to someone who has never seen you play.

“I am whatever my team needs to win. On the offensive side of the ball, I would say I am an exclusive runner, pass pro running back, and have great hands.”

 

How important is it for you to be a complete back? Blitz pick-ups, receiving, etc.

“Itā€™s very important to become a versatile running back, as this will add value to my team and keep me on the field more. I want to stay a multi-dimensional player, and I feel I have been.”

 

You took a lot of snaps out of the wildcat position in high school. Did you enjoy that?Ā 

“I didn’t mind the wildcat as it was only a couple of yards that was needed. I trusted my big boys’ block, and they did an awesome job all year. I knew I was in good hands.”

 

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How did playing defense in high school help you with being a complete running back?

“I am able to understand defensive schemes, and this helps me play on the offensive side of the ball. I can anticipate the snaps better.”

 

Do you have any ambition to play both ways in college?

“If I can play both sides of the ball, that would be awesome! But I am a team player, so I will play any position the coaches need me to play.”

 

Credit: Brandon Smith

 

What are your goals once you reach SDSU?

“I want to become RB1 and a consistent 1,000-yard TD rusher. Continue to be a leader whether it is in the weight room, classroom, or on the field playing.”

 

What were your thoughts on San Diego and the SDSU campus?

“San Diego State is just an all-around great campus from academics to diversity. Add to the great weather in San Diego; it just added to my love of the city.”

 

Here is a video of Brandon Smith in action. As you can see, the breakaway speed is real. He also runs over defenders and finds space along the line. Smith explodes off the line and displays an innate ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. He will be an offensive weapon at the collegiate level.

Smith is capable of playing defense, too. Here are some highlights at the strong safety position. It remains to be seen if he will step on the field as a defended for SDSU.

SDSU signed a very nice running back who will be featured in 2027. As the school moves into the PAC-12, it will continue to stockpile talented players like Brandon Smith.

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