Choctaw uncommitted 2024 edge/LB Will Smith glad to return to action after appendix surgery

Recent Oklahoma State de-commit gradually working his way back into game shape

MOORE, Oklahoma - To hear Will Smith talk about it, it was just a simple surgery. 

After playing in his first game of the season Thursday, the 6-foot-4, 235-pound senior defensive edge rusher from Choctaw made it seem like getting his appendix taken out was no big deal.

“I think I did pretty good knowing I just came back from surgery and everything,” Smith said. “I think I did an okay job.”

However, Yellowjackets coach Jake Corbin was not as understated in explaining the ordeal Smith went through that kept him off the field in the team’s season opener against Del City, which was eventually suspended due to a shooting incident.

“On top of everything that went down, we didn't make it super public, but Will had his appendix almost ruptured,” Corbin said. “He had to have surgery about three weeks ago. So, he was in a bad way.

"Luckily, he got it out in time, but he was in danger.”

After Choctaw’s game against Del City was suspended, they also canceled their contest against Edmond Santa Fe the following week. Because of that, Smith only missed part of one game before he was back on the field against Westmoore on Thursday.

Twice during the Yellowjackets' 29-10 victory, Smith had to have the area where he had surgery looked after being helped off the field. Yet, he says he had no worries.

But that could not be said for his family.

“Of course my mom, she was scared to death,” Smith said. “I thought at first, it started to hurt a little bit and then on that touchdown pass I dropped, he landed on it.

"So it kind of hurt a little bit, but nothing too major. So, I think we should be good.”

As Smith worked his back into game shape, he played most of his reps on the defensive side of the ball and got in at tight end on offense sparingly.

However, in order for the Yellowjackets to make it back to the 6AII state title game, Smith will have to be a factor on both sides of the ball.

“Will can do a lot of different things for us,” Corbin said. “He's a very electric athlete, and so trying to just get him back into the flow of things and getting him going, obviously, is instrumental to our success.”

Smith doesn’t expect any setbacks the rest of the season and will be back to starting both ways soon.

“I just want to see me being a team player and helping us win the state championship,” Smith said.

Will Smith (center) and his Choctaw teammates get ready to take the field for their game against Westmoore on Sept. 7, 2023. 

Smith is currently ranked as a top 10 player in the state and the 53rd-rated outside linebacker in the nation, according to various recruiting sites.

Earlier this year, Smith committed to Oklahoma State University. But the senior decommitted in May and now says his options are open.

Along with OSU, Smith has offers from Indiana, Iowa State, Kent State, Washington State and Tulsa.

“The factors I’m looking for are love, relationships, family growth, everything,” Smith said. “I don't care where it's at.”