The OSC Interview: Spokane Shock QB Warren Smith
by Fran Stuchbury
August 28, 2015 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Spokane Shock
Spokane Shock QB Warren Smith
(Spokane Shock)
OurSports Central contributor Fran Stuchbury recently interviewed Spokane Shock starting quarterback Warren Smith. Smith passed for 1,816 yards with 32 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions in the 2015 campaign. Smith also led the Shock in rushing with 119 yards and scored an additional five touchdowns. In 2014 Smith played for the Trenton Freedom of the Professional Indoor Football League where he passed for 2,589 yards, 46 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Smith also ran for 364 yards and 13 touchdowns and was named the PIFL's Most Valuable Player.
Fran Stuchbury: How did you end up playing for the Spokane Shock? Was that the only AFL team interested in signing you? How did you like playing under Shock coach Andy Olson?
Warren Smith: It's a funny story how I ended up playing for Spokane. It actually all started when I was teaching biology at my high school. The year prior I had a great year for Trenton and made a highlight film, and while I was on my break in school I used to just send out my film to every AFL, CFL and even NFL team I could. I usually never got a response, but one day in biology I got a text from Andy (Spokane Shock head coach Andy Olson), and he said he liked my game. Two weeks later Spokane signed me and, yes, they were the only team interested in me it seemed. I had a lot of excited emails and Facebook messages. I can't speak highly enough of Coach Olson. He is such a great coach and hard worker and really pushed me to be the best I could be. I learned a lot from him from a quarterback perspective and as a head coach, a true professional.
FS: Talk about playing in your first ever AFL game at home against the LA KISS in which you passed for 313 yards and six touchdowns in a 68-46 victory.
WS: What a great day that was for my team and me. I was really excited to get on the field, especially after my knee injury which held me back for the first 6 weeks, and just getting out there and making plays was such a great feeling, a feeling I truly was hungry for and most importantly I was happy for the great team win. My grandmother passed away the next day, unfortunately, but she stayed strong to watch me play and win my first game. I firmly believe that, and that game was dedicated to her.
FS: Did you have a favorite wide receiver you liked throwing to on the Shock?
WS: To be honest, I really didn't have a favorite receiver because they were all so talented. By far the best wide receivers I've played with. Mike Washington is the best route runner I've ever been able to play with. Nick Truesdell was physically the most dominant player I've ever thrown to. Anthony Amos, Rashaad Carter, Samuel Charles, Jabin Sambrano, Braylon Bell and Christian Wise were all freaky athletic and also made so many plays for me. I thank them all.
FS: You led the Shock in rushing with 119 yards; does your ability to scramble and make plays with your feet help you?
WS: It definitely helps being able to make plays with your feet, especially when the receivers are covered or the protection breaks down. To be able to get yourself out of a bad situation with your feet helps extends plays, and I'm thankful for having that ability.
FS: What was your experience in dealing with the Spokane Shock fans?
WS: By far the Spokane Shock and the Goal Line Bandits are the best fans in the Arena Football League, and it was an honor to play in front of them. "Death Valley" on 3rd and 4th down for opposing QBs is very challenging.
FS: What road trip was the best experience for you?
FS: My Favorite road trip of the year was Las Vegas; it was my first time in Vegas and we won. Later that night I won $600 gambling!! It was a triple win!
FS: How does the talent level in the AFL compare to the talent level in the PIFL where you played for the Trenton Freedom last season?
WS: The talent in the AFL isn't a whole lot different. You do get some freak athletes and bigger linemen in the AFL, but the biggest difference I see is the knowledge of the Arena game is better in the AFL. Some of these guys have been playing for six, seven or eight years. With that experience under a lot of player's belt, they just have an edge I feel.
FS: You must have been happy that your former Trenton Freedom teammate, wide receiver Roger "Spiderman" Jackson signed with the New Orleans VooDoo during the AFL season?
WS: I couldn't be happier for Spiderman. He has come a long way from the first time I met him in Trenton. He is a gamer and is a big play waiting to happen. More importantly, he's a great guy in the community and a great teammate. If I was an AFL coach, he would play for me.
FS: How do you feel about the Trenton Freedom announcing they have ceased operations?
WS: It's a shame that the freedom folded because I saw big potential in Trenton down the road if they got the right investors, especially considering it was only 40 minutes from my house. I want to thank the Freedom family for the opportunity in 2014 and all they have done for me.
FS: There is a rumor that the Spokane Shock may be moving to the Indoor Football League? Do you feel the IFL is a quality brand of football?
WS: I don't know much about the IFL, but I do know it is a shame that the Shock are leaving the AFL. I wish the Shock the best of luck in the IFL.
FS: What are your plans during the AFL off-season? What will you be doing?
WS: During the offseason I always go back to my high school to teach and coach high school football. I also train quarterbacks and work for the NFL regional combines after Christmas with former AFL star QB John Kaleo, who played 15 seasons in the league and threw 581 career touchdown passes.
FS: Next season if you play in Arena Football, are you hoping to be able to play closer to your family and friends in New Jersey?
WS: Not exactly sure what league I will be playing in next year, but yes I want to stay close to home and play in front of my family and friends. Playing for the Philadelphia Soul would be the ideal AFL team for me.
FS: Who do you think will win ArenaBowl XXVIII on Saturday between the Jacksonville Sharks and the San Jose SaberCats?
WS: I think both teams are very good, and I think both quarterbacks - San Jose's Erik Meyer and Jacksonville's Tommy Grady - are top tier quarterbacks in this league. I love the Sharks WRs (Joe Hills and Tiger Jones) to make big plays, but I believe San Jose front five is the best in the AFL on defense. If they get to Grady, it's going to be a long night for the Sharks. If they don't and Grady has time, it could be interesting. My prediction is San Jose SaberCats 61, Jacksonville Sharks 48.
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Arena Football League Stories from August 28, 2015
- AFL Announces Front Office Awards - AFL
- KISS Season Ends - Los Angeles KISS
- Pro Football's First Female Official Honored by AFL - AFL
- Leiweke Honored by the Arena Football League - Tampa Bay Storm
- The OSC Interview: Spokane Shock QB Warren Smith - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
- The OSC Interview: Spokane Shock QB Warren Smith - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
- The OSC Interview: Spokane Shock QB Warren Smith - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
- Adams Awarded Executive of the Year - Philadelphia Soul
- AFL Honors Storm Organization - Tampa Bay Storm
- Siaha Burley Named AFL Assistant Coach of the Year - Orlando Predators
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
