2024 Interview with two-way Lineman Dane Smith from Lucasville Valley

 

Dane Smith

Valley High School in Lucasville, OH

Offensive and defensive lines

2025

What were your personal goals for the 2023 season, and were you able to achieve those goals?

I think being able to come back and play this season. My sophomore year, at the beginning of the year, I injured my knee and played the rest of the season. I didn’t think I’d be able to play this year, but I got the doctor's approval, and I came back. So that was definitely a goal I achieved this past season.

What were the high and low points of your 2023 season?

I think our highest point would have been our rival game against Minford. We shut them out 24-0. Another high-point game would’ve probably been our Grandview Heights game because it was a long, hard game that had its ups and downs. Our lowest probably would’ve been our West game because we weren’t able to produce anything on the offensive side of the ball.

What will you miss the most from the 2024 class?

probably the brotherhood from that class.

Which offensive line or defensive line was the hardest for you to prepare for?

I'd probably say Coal Grove because they have some hard-hitting boys on their line.

Which side of the line do you feel you are better at?

Definitely the defensive side because I like to play aggressively, and I feel like I’m able to execute that better on the defensive side.

I see that you are into power lifting. How do you believe that helps you as a lineman?

I think it helps because, as a power lifter, you’re trying to get big and strong, and I think the strength that comes along with power lifting helps a tremendous amount on the line.

Who is the best player you have ever faced in a game, along with the team he played for?

I'd probably say Chase Heiland from Portsmouth High School.

Focusing on just the road games you have played, which stadium has had the best overall atmosphere? Explain

I’d definitely say the Grandview Heights game because it was a tight game all the way through until the end. Even when we went into overtime, it was a very tight game but a hard loss.

Staying on the road game theme, which road stadium is the worst to play in? Explain

I'd say Minford High School because the field is still grass and it is very uneven and has holes and stuff in the field.

What is the most rewarding part of playing high school football?

Probably knowing that you worked your butt off throughout the whole game to get that win and even the brotherhood that comes with it.

What is the hardest part of being a student athlete?

probably trying to get good grades because football takes a lot of energy and time away from you, so that’s definitely the hardest part about it.

What is your favorite genre of music?

My favorite genre of music is definitely older country music.

What scares you?

not knowing if you have lived up to your full potential yet.

Other than sports, what do you do for fun?

I like being in the outdoors, like hunting and fishing. I also like being able to hang out with my buddies.