ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) -It’s been some month for Marcus Smith.
The New Mexico receiver leads the Mountain West and ranks 18th nationally, averaging 94.3 yards per game. His 7.83 reception average leads the league and ranks eighth in the nation.
Smith, a senior, also returns kicks for the Lobos (4-2, 1-1), off to their best start in 10 seasons under coach Rocky Long.
But all that success on the field is tempered for Smith by what’s happened lately away from football.
His mother, Sheila, died Sept. 16 at her San Diego home.
“It’s tough on him,” Long said. “I don’t think he’s gotten completely over losing his mother yet, but I think him being part of our team has allowed him to get through it.”
Sheila Smith, 52, died of natural causes in her sleep shortly after New Mexico’s 29-27 victory at Arizona – a game where her son had 11 catches for 164 yards receiving and 217 all-purpose yards.
Three weeks later, Smith is feeling more like himself.
“It’s getting easier and easier to get back into the flow,” he said.
But it’s been a tough ride. Because of his family situation, Smith learned he was responsible for $6,000 in funeral expenses.
He’s the youngest of three boys raised by a single mom, who worked as an in-home assisted living nurse. One brother died when Smith was 9. Another is jailed, unable to attend Sheila Smith’s services.
The money was raised, though, through a memorial fund established by an Albuquerque bank. Under NCAA rules, New Mexico couldn’t sponsor such an effort.
Donations accumulated quickly, even providing a little extra cash that went to charity. Smith was overwhelmed and thanked college football fans for the response, as people in Albuquerque and beyond offered money and support.
“I got a few letters from BYU fans – fans from a team that we have an intense rivalry with,” he said. “I didn’t expect that. Fans in Virginia, fans in northern California sent stuff. It was really, really shocking.”
Smith planned the funeral service from Albuquerque, aided by an uncle in San Diego. All the while, he continued to attend practice and class.
“I find going to school is helping me keep my mind off it,” Smith said. “Even though I might not want to go to class or I feel stressed out, if I go to class, taking notes and reading, things like that, it brings my mood up.”
Days after his mother’s death, Smith suited up for a 58-0 win over Sacramento State. He practiced for three days before her funeral, then flew to San Diego, returned to Albuquerque and played that weekend in a 31-24 loss to BYU.
“It was pretty strong of him to come back and play in the next game after his mom’s funeral,” teammate Ian Clark said. “Marcus has a lot of strength. I don’t know if I could have done the same thing.”
Now he’s going back home again. The Lobos visit San Diego State (2-4, 1-1) on Saturday night.
It’s sure to be a bittersweet trip, Smith said. He has fond memories of San Diego, where he dueled in the 100 meters at high school track meets against New Orleans Saints star Reggie Bush.
“I got one win,” Smith said proudly.
But he expects to have mixed emotions on this homecoming. He remembers his mother for her strong opinions and says she was one of his best pals, always comfortable around his teammates and friends. She insisted he stay at New Mexico when, during his sophomore season, he wanted to transfer.
“I wanted to be a running back. She made me stay,” Smith said. “Me being here and on track to graduate is all from her influence on me.”
Smith will see his family again this weekend but knows things will be different without his mom. Weeks before she died, Sheila Smith arranged for relatives to attend New Mexico’s game.
“I expect to go out and do well, to go hard, run hard, play hard, even more now than before,” Smith said. “I know she’s going to be watching every game. She’s got the best seat in the house.”
He laughed and added: “If I take a play off, I know she’s going to know it. That motivates me even more.”
Add A Comment
THIS IS NOT A GAMBLING SITE – If you think you have a gambling problem click here.
Disclaimer: This site is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Individual users are responsible for the laws regarding accessing gambling information from their jurisdictions. Many countries around the world prohibit gambling, please check the laws in your location. Any use of this information that may violate any federal, state, local or international law is strictly prohibited.
Copyright: The information contained on TheSpread.com website is protected by international copyright and may not be reproduced, or redistributed in any way without expressed written consent.
About: TheSpread.com is the largest sports betting news site in the United States. We provide point spread news, odds, statistics and information to over 175 countries around the world each year. Our coverage includes all North American College and Professional Sports as well as entertainment, political and proposition wagering news.
©1999-2023 TheSpread.com