By Blake Chadwick
Naturally, the Wichita Northwest Grizzlies will be one of the top teams again this season. How good they are will depend on how quickly they put things together. One of those who will be looking to grow his role and take others with him is senior defensive lineman Bishop Smith.
Smith is a high-motor, explosive game wrecker for the Grizzlies in the trenches. The 6’2 and 242 pound senior is coming off a season where he had 41 tackles and three sacks.
“What makes me one of the best defensive linemen in the state is my work ethic and
consistency,” Smith said. “I train year-round to stay ahead of the competition. I
also study film to understand the offensive schemes of the other teams.”
Smith has been playing football since he was five years old, and after he graduates from Wichita Northwest will move on to play college football after picking up four offers this offseason.
“I am looking for a program that will challenge me on and off the field,” Smith said. “Academically, I want a program that offers a strong support system to student-athletes who care about our success. Athletically, I am looking for a brotherhood. Something that Northwest football values. Where everyone is committed to the same goal and holds each other accountable. I also want the program to have a strong leadership presence, both from the coaching staff and the players, where the culture is built on discipline, hard work, and developing us to become better men.”
But, none of that matters just yet, as Smith and the Grizzlies have plans to make it back to the state championship game.
“I’m intentionally making daily improvements at practice that will help lead us to a state championship,” Smith said.
