Markel Smith's Motto: Train Every Day

Patch recently caught up with Markel Smith, the senior running back from St. John Vianney High School who is widely viewed as one of the best players in St. Louis area, to talk about his offseason and his plans for the future. Smith was part of a select group of area high school football players chosen to represent the St. Louis Rams in a 7 on 7 high school tournament in Cleveland.

Smith said his offseason focus has been simple. "Train every day, train just, just train, constantly." You can see what he means in this KSDK profile.

When he's not working, other people are asking him about what his college future holds. He did not attend offseason summer camps put on by some of his would-be suitors, including the University of Missouri and the University of Iowa. Smith made an early commitment to Mizzou before re-opening the process. Ole Miss also figures into his thinking. Rivals.com reports he also has an offer from Illinois.

Smith said he hasn't taken any official visits to colleges and will take his time making the next move.

"I'm just going to wait, play my football season out, and then, after that, pick."

In the meantime, he's looking forward to playing for new Griffin Head Football Coach Paul Day in a high speed tempo offense that figures to play to the strengths of the team's biggest offensive weapon.

Offseason strength and conditioning workouts have been held throughout the summer. The first official day of fall practice is August 12.