Chris Smalley holds his fist up after a play this past fall, during his freshman season with Nevada football. Smalley is a Douglas High alum and is gearing up for his second season with the Wolf Pack this spring.
The jersey has changed and the physicality of play has ramped up, but Chris Smalley’s priorities remain relatively similar to where they were in high school.
The Douglas High alum and Nevada freshman is still trying to add muscle after being used as an edge in his first season.
That’s not to say Smalley hasn’t gotten any bigger since he was playing with the Tigers.
Running through one of the first few nice days of spring practice last week, Smalley was checking in at 6-foot-5, 220 pounds.
One could probably argue he’s bigger than that.
“I’m always trying to get bigger, faster, stronger,” said Smalley. “I’m trying to be better technique wise because last year I was just feeling stuff out and I didn’t really know what to expect.
ADJUSTING ON THE FIELD
Jumping into college athletics is a hurdle.
It was no different for Smalley, who was tasked with learning a new playbook and adjusting to a quicker, more intense speed of play.
As a freshman, the former Tiger appeared in eight games, recorded 11 tackles and scooped up a fumble against Boise State.
“I was trying to learn new techniques,” said Smalley. “Coming out here after last year, I know my responsibilities as a player. I can focus on what I have to do. It’s a lot easier for me knowing the defense (now).”
Eight games of action with the Wolf Pack was more than Smalley was able to play in his junior and senior seasons of high school combined.
Ramping up to the level of Division I play was a big difference, but it didn’t overwhelm him as a freshman.
“I feel like because I didn’t play my senior season, I was a little more hungry and ready to play football,” Smalley said.
Adjusting to the variety of play at edge has Smalley doing everything from dropping into coverage to running into 300-pound offensive lineman, trying to get into the backfield.
Getting around the big guys up front has been one of those challenges that Smalley has had to adapt to with those new techniques.
“He’s done a great job this camp,” said Nevada defensive coordinator Mike Bethea. “The one thing we love the most about Chris is he works hard. He’s not a guy you have to correct too many times.”
Bethea said Smalley’s understanding of the new rules at the college level and determination in practice was a big reason he was able to see the field in eight games in his first season.
“There was a moment in practice where we were trying to get more physicality and he stepped up to the plate. That’s what led us to trust him to put him in on Saturdays,” said Bethea.
Smalley agreed that fighting his way around offensive lineman
“I kind of like it more,” said Smalley. “That goes back to technique. They teach us technique and I just need to put that to work.”
OFF THE FIELD
Smalley spent Easter weekend at home with his family and says he even had the chance to take some of his teammates down south for home-cooked meals.
He‘s stayed prioritized off the field too, earning the Chris Exline Academic award.
One player from each class on the team was selected.
“I was just trying to be the best student I could be,” said Smalley. “I didn’t have to study in high school. I didn’t study for my first test here I got like a 76, which was the lowest grade I ever got on a test. It kind of woke me up a little bit.”
Smalley credits several people to helping him succeed in the classroom, including his girlfriend Bailey Rozier, who went to Douglas and now plays soccer at Truckee-Meadows Community College.
“My mom has helped me a lot. My girlfriend has helped me a lot,” said Smalley. “I have a huge support system.”
As far as his reps on the field are concerned, it’s only a matter of time.
“I still have a long way to go, but I’m getting more comfortable with what I have to do.”