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Baytown Sterling's John Smith
THAT DUDE: Smith is Sterling's big man on campus
Smith was an all-district selection in football, basketball and was also a member of the Rangers’ 4x400 on the way to becoming the Male Athlete of the Year at Sterling in 2023-24.
“I love to compete,” he said.“Whether that be in football on the court or on the track. Even on the ‘The Game’ (EA Sports College Football ’25). I’ve always been that way, going all the way back to Little League football.”
That competitive nature, his athleticism and size made him a DI prospect, and he will be taking his talents to Colorado State next Fall as it stands now.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
“I love the campus and the coaches,” he said. “When I visited, I knew it was where I was going to call home. They are giving me such a great opportunity and I’ve been at work all summer heading into my senior year. I’ve really worked on my route-running and mental toughness to get prepared for this season and college.”
Smith has great ball skills and is lethal after the catch but can also turn around and cover his opponents’ best receiver at corner back.
“When I was young, I loved Odell Beckham Jr.,” he said. “Just his creativity on the field and his ability to make plays. I do like locking people down on defense like Sauce Gardner as well.”
2024-25 Baytown Sterling FootballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
The Rangers will need Smith to play all over the field if Sterling hopes to navigate district play to the postseason.
Wins and losses are great, but Smith thinks bigger.
“What I’m really trying to leave behind is an example for kids behind me that want something bigger and better,” he said. “I had a big dream and went after it. If I can do it, they can too.”
Baytown Sterling's Malachi Godfrey
FAMILY-MAN: Godfrey's rapport with teammates make Sterling Football a vibe
Weighing in at just over 300 pounds and towering over his teammates with a 6-foot-5 frame, Godfrey is truly a force to be reckoned with in the trenches. Physicality aside, Godfrey brings much more to the table.
“I think what makes me unique is that I’m a good spirit,” said Godfrey. “I feel like I have a good work ethic, especially alongside the other linemen. We have great chemistry, and we like to put the work in. This is what we do, and I feel like that will help us down the road.”
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
As he enters his junior year, Sterling’s big-man already holds offers from various college recruiters –most notably Colorado State– for the production he’s shown from both the tackle and guard spot.
Despite facing the prospect of potentially playing college ball, Godfrey still keeps his mind close to home.
“My mentality for this year will be how it’s always been... just keep working,” said Godfrey. “We [Sterling] still want to win and go after a State Championship. So,right now, recruiting isn’t my biggest concern. The team’s success is what I’m focused on.”
His selfless mindset is likely something he learned from his family, who keep him goal-oriented in football.
“I started playing when I was really young, probably when I was five,” he said. “I stopped around the second grade, but then I got back into it because my Mom and family encouraged me to. This is my thing, I love it.”
Another potential motivation for Godfrey comes from his extended family. Cousin Charles Godfrey, who went from playing at Baytown Lee to the University of Iowa, played in the NFL from 2008 to 2015 (Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Falcons).
“I would say he (Charles) is one of my bigger inspirations,” Godfrey said. “He’s shown me that if someone from my family can do it, I know I can do it too. I just want to do what I can to succeed and be the best version of myself.”
2023-24 Baytown Sterling FootballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Family certainly means a great deal to Godfrey. In addition, the chemistry between him and his teammates is palpable, which is why he sees them as a home away from home.
“The best memories are my time here, especially with the other linemen,” he said. “We like to go to Cici’s Pizza and pig out – going a few rounds just for fun. There’s been a couple of times where we had a few barfs, but it’s all fun. We’re all a family, we hang out off the field and do everything as a team. It’s just what we do.”
Win or lose, it’s about building a foundation of family and friends as he pursues his ultimate goals at Sterling and beyond.