Football players don’t get more light hearted than Pike County’s Stevie Smiley.

Smiley spent the better part of the Bulldogs’ picture wandering aimlessly around the field talking to anyone that would carry on a conversation.

But when the lights come on on Friday nights, Smiley checks the light-hearted, carefree attitude at the locker room door.

Last year, Smiley got used to Mike Water’s new spread offense and a new position. In previous years, he played almost strictly at tight end, but with Waters Smiley lined up out wide, in the slot and ever in the backfield at times.

The new system and role has an ear-to-ear gin on the big receiver’s face.

“I like being able to make plays for the team,” Smiley said. “I am pretty versatile and the coaches will line me up all over the place. I like to use my size to match up on DBs and my speed against linebackers.”

Smiley, who has drawn interest from Auburn, UAB and a few other colleges, stands roughly six feet three inches tall, and provides quarterback Jerrel Lawson a big target to throw to in critical situations.

Like most receivers, he looks forward to the ball going in the air.

“I know ‘Rel will put the ball where it is supposed to be,” Smiley said. “I just have to do what I can to bring it down. This offense will be really good this year if we don’t make mistakes like turnovers. We are going to be even better than last year.”

Pike County will meet Charles Henderson in the Pike County Classic August 22 in Brundidge.