March 29, 2023
WSU's Leyton Smithson blends his passions for football and music

Leyton Smithson (Photograph: Cougfan.com/Whittney Thornton)

WASHINGTON STATE-WIDE purchaser Leyton Smithson He is likely to be essentially the most attention-grabbing man in Pullman. The 6-1,188-pound freshman from Bellingham lives for the easy issues when he is not burning tires on the soccer discipline. Music, enjoying the guitar and going out in nature.

“I like enjoying the guitar,” Smithson instructed CF.C. “I like going out with my pals and rolling within the wind and doing no matter I do. After which it is simply music, nature, stuff like that. I really feel like I completely blended music and soccer as properly. I am a special cat. soccer discipline, however music is an enormous a part of my preparation. If it wasn’t for the Foo Fighters, I would not be prepared to organize for a recreation.”

In August, CF.C requested varied actors what their favourite style of music was, and whereas many went the rap or nation route, Smithson with out hesitation sang Jimi Hendrix, sparking curiosity about how an 18-year-old obtained his begin in music. from 50 years in the past.

“I simply grew up round it,” Smithson mentioned. “And it all the time form of caught with me. I am a laid-back man and that is what appealed to me. Pink Sizzling Chili Peppers’ ‘Californication’ was the primary album I actually obtained into, and ‘Scar Tissue’ was my first album. The tune I realized on guitar.”

However Smithson’s legacy can also be an intriguing story, giving him a novel crossover throughout cultures, together with the Icelandic tattoo on his arm.

“My mom is Icelandic and my father is from Hawaii,” Smithson mentioned. “My mother was born in Iceland and moved right here in her early 20s. I can say a couple of phrases in Icelandic. My tattoo means ‘when the chilly water is available in’ in Icelandic. Be affected person as a result of it is going to be alright” is their means of claiming. come again. Iceland is gorgeous. I am a nature man and he has some actually superb issues.”

In his first 12 months at WSU, Smithson scored a complete of 30 receptions and a landing for 235 yards, whereas additionally placing in a three-yard vary. Excessive octane and electrical on the pitch, Smithson is cool as a cucumber and has had a chat with CF.C just lately.

COUGFANcom: The place would you say your recreation has improved essentially the most since summer season?

Smithson: I might say my mindset after I stepped on the road. Having the ability to make a plan for my operating route and have backups to react to. I am simply being myself as a real broad receiver as a result of I’ve actually solely been a soccer participant my complete profession.

COUGFANcom: What’s the largest factor you continue to wish to develop and work on?

Smithson: Ball abilities. I really feel like I’ve positively improved on releasing and holding the road on go balls and stuff like that. However simply to look at it, to come back again to it.

COUGFANcom: How a lot do you suppose a full 12 months of winter coaching and spring ball will assist elevate your recreation?

Smithson: I believe it is going to be big. I need to have the ability to match the physicality. This 12 months I actually needed to present my strengths with my velocity and quickness. Having the ability to embrace some rowdy ball on this will certainly up my recreation.

COUGFANcom: How do you suppose your relationship with Cameron Ward has grown over the 12 months?

Smithson: Developed each on and off the sphere. I used to be nonetheless actually inexperienced after I walked in and was fairly shy. However I believe we have been in a position to develop chemistry in apply and out of doors. Within the locker room, touring and all that stuff.

COUGFANcom: Who do you hang around with essentially the most on the workforce?

Smithson: Clearly Bryson Lamb and Djouvensky Schlenbaker as a result of I went to highschool with them. Then I hang around so much with our particular groups — assistant Noam Cohen, he is a cool man. I even have some pals who do not play soccer right here.

COUGFANcom: What’s your favourite tune to play on guitar?

Smithson: I simply realized about Nutshell from Alice In Chains, in order that’s it for now. However proper now I am listening to all kinds of issues. There’s been numerous soul music currently. Huge Gerry Rafferty man, Cocteau Twins, Daddy’s Children. Huge Jeff Buckley dude.

COUGFANcom: Is there a time when it is arduous to let go of the relaxed persona for the busy soccer persona?

Smithson: It is effective with me. It solely occurs while you’re on the soccer discipline. It simply flips a swap.

COUGFANcom: What are you going to do round Pullman when the season is over?

Smithson: I am going out to see what sort of sports activities are on the market. I have been to Kamiah a couple of occasions however that is it. I do not thoughts seeing the Snake River, I heard there are a couple of different highlights round right here.

COUGFANcom: What has being Coug meant to you to this point?

Smithson: Sort of a blue-collar chip-on-the-shoulder mentality. It could not have all of the sources that different rich faculties do, however it would not matter. We have seen numerous modifications in our workforce and whoever is right here can be right here and we’ll play ball.

Related: How does Ben Arbuckle’s Air Raid compare to Mike Leach and Eric Morris’ versions?


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