Clearwater struggled last year. A team with so much history and ties to the community, is not accustomed to struggling like they did as a 2-8 team in 2011. Clearwater owned the ’90s under Tom Bostic, but has had roller coaster seasons in the 2000s.

Long time head football coach, Tom Bostic has declared 2012 to be his last year as the head football coach of the Tornados. Donnie Abraham has be hired as his successor. However, before Bostic hangs his hat up, there are a few young men that he is going to help succeed.

Devijion Smith is of the young men. A promising player with some of his own history that has made him a better person. As a rising junior last season, Smith was slightly immature and gave off the impression that his attitude would prevent him from reaching his goals.

This was not the case. He put his pride behind him and matured as a young man, while overcoming several obstacles. In 2011, he caught 25 balls for 300+ yards receiving, 3 TDs, 5 INTs and 40 tackles. His body is developing and his mentality is maturing. “Basically, I have been growing. I gained like 15lbs since I left. I feel like I am ready to roll this year.”

Family issues cause Smith to temporarily move to Georgia, where he played his 2012 spring football. Smith was able to return home and return to Clearwater High, where he wants to be.

Smith uses each day to improve. Knowing that his time will come and college coaches will recognize his talent. “I get better every day. Weekends, I go to the baseball fields by my house, I do some drills by myself. Footwork and wide receiver drills, routes and stuff and come back out here Monday through Friday and work.”

Before he left to Georgia, colleges were showing interest in the 6-2/180lbs WR/S. But when he returned, the trail had gone cold. “Went to Georgia in the spring and played ball there. Came back, I guess they forgot about me.”

Right now, Smith is the go to guy. He and 2014 slot, Adam Harris will be a great compliment to one another. But, Smith says he want to the man. The guy his team can count on. “When the ball is in the air, I go get it”