Grant Smith is taller and is the older twin. Yes, brother Evan Smith hears about it. But Evan is a better athlete on the football field and basketball court.
This is how the phrase sibling rivalry was invented. Weren’t they trash talking in the Garden of Eden?
The sophomore Smith brothers, who did not invent the cough drop, are 15, fraternal twins. They both play football for the Seymour Owls. Grant is a backup tight end and a long snapper, although he is only a few weeks into practicing that tricky job. Evan is a linebacker and starter on defense.
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They both should see field time Friday night when Seymour takes on Jeffersonville at 7 p.m. at Bulleit Stadium.
Although there is no looking back, the Owls are 0-1 despite a 36-yard interception run for a touchdown produced by Evan Smith in a 36-21 opening-game loss to South Dearborn last Friday night.
It was one of the most dramatic Seymour plays of the night, although the player does not remember it as clearly as teammate and fan witnesses.
“I pictured getting a pick,” Evan said of his second-quarter score.
Ahead of time, for quite some time. But when he did pull off a runback, his mind went blank until after it was over. Not to worry. He has seen a film replay and listened to the radio call.
“I get goosebumps,” Evan said upon hearing the radio report.
Grant (in teasing mode) said Evan has heard it so many times already he should be sick of it. In reality, Grant was one of the most enthusiastic of those congratulating Evan when he got back to the sideline following the big play.
“I’m the biggest supporter on the field when he does something,” Grant said.
The twins were born 2 minutes apart, Grant first, something he is well aware of and rubs in. He weighs 160-165 with Evan a slightly more muscular, compact 170. Grant is 6-foot-1 and Evan is 5-10. Evan cannot get over the disparity.
“Every night, I go ‘Please, please, please,’” he said, seeking to coax a growth spurt into reality while sleeping. Every morning, he measures himself again, disappointed he has not closed the gap.
How about athletic ability? Depends on the activity.
“He’s better than me in most of the sports that people think matter,” Grant said. “I can whip his butt in swimming.”
The twins began playing football when very young with their parents’ encouragement.
“I loved it,” Grant said.
Still, Grant is trying to work his way into more PT. He used to be a quarterback. Then he sensed opportunity at tight end. He must block and be prepared to catch passes. As a rule, tight ends are stockier than he is, and Grant sees a need to bulk up.
“It’s crazy,” he said, acknowledging he would better fit the spot if he gained weight. A lot of pounds. “Like another hundred.”
The football long snapper job is definitely underrated in difficulty. The center looks behind him to a quarterback, kicker or punter, and nobody in the stands notices him if everything goes smoothly. It is only if the ball bounces short or is fumbled that he gains attention.
Seymour had some problems on those special teams last week, and while Grant could become a savior in the role, at the moment he is very raw.
“It’s growing on me,” he said.
One thing Grant likes is the restriction on the defense waiting to bash him. In the interests of safety, “You get a free release. No one blocks you for 5 yards.”
Evan has basked in the kudos since his interception touchdown return but now thinks he has a reputation to match.
“I want to make plays every weekend,” he said.