Newbury Park QB Brady Smigiel even hungrier after

First in a collection of tales profiling top high college soccer gamers by place. Today, Brady Smigiel, Newbury Park quarterback.

Honored as the The Times’ participant of the 12 months in 2024. Passed for more than 3,200 yards. Completed 49 landing passes. Won a Southern Section Division 2 championship. Committed to Michigan for faculty. Rated a five-star quarterback by one recruiting service.

Has Brady Smigiel of Newbury Park High completed all the things he needed to do in high college going into his senior 12 months?

“I can argue I’m getting even hungrier,” said the 6-foot-5, 210-pounder.

His former receiver Shane Rosenthal, who is now at UCLA, has identified Smigiel since their tee-ball days. Rosenthal said his best pal is never happy.

“He knows there’s things to improve on,” Rosenthal said. “This is just the start of his career. He’s got college next and hopefully the NFL. This is not his final destination. He knows where he wants to get to.”

Smigiel intends to keep the pedal to the metallic as he performs his ultimate season under his father, head coach Joe Smigiel. He was the one who threw a container stuffed with Gatorade on his father’s head last season, drawing a nasty stare because dad had a cold and didn’t need to get moist.

All is forgiven and his father would gladly settle for another drenching with a little warning this time. The problem for son can be developing chemistry with his new group of receivers and persevering with to progress studying defenses, one thing he did terribly properly in dropping his interceptions to three last season after 14 in 2023.

“There’s no replacing Shane, but there are some very good athletes that came in,” Smigiel said.

Despite his success the last three seasons, which embrace 11,222 yards passing and 147 touchdowns, Smigiel insists he has not misplaced his focus.

“There’s a new challenge every season and to know I’m going to college in less than a year makes me even hungrier,” he said. “I want to be able to get better every single day.”

In April, an instance of his day was getting to college at 6:30 a.m. and getting home at 8 p.m. after exercises, courses and training. He has entrusted his training to a employees devoted to giving him the instruments to succeed.

“You just want to get stronger and faster,” he said. “I’m a tall build, so there’s a lot of mass to put weight on. I dropped some bad pounds and started working on my speed training to get more explosive.”

He has made a dedication to Michigan, believing the varsity is the best match for his quarterback fashion, teachers and development on and off the sector. He’s pursuing his dream — the NFL. He remembers being impressed after watching the draft with former Newbury Park and NFL defensive back Darnay Holmes.

“My dream has been to be in the NFL my whole life,” he said. “Darnay was at our house and the draft was on and my mom was having a conversation with him. He was about my age right now and his dream was to play in the NFL and the fact it happened and can happen to people you know, it really opened my eyes and is 100% a dream of mine.”

During a nutrition break last spring, Smigiel was hanging out with Rosenthal and regarded up the future schedules for Michigan and UCLA. The Bruins can be in Ann Arbor in 2026, with the Wolverines coming to the Rose Bowl in 2027. The best buddies are planning.

“We’ll be doing a jersey exchange,” Rosenthal said. “I want to be on the same field again.”

Smigiel has matured throughout high college. He has grown consistently, whether or not in college, his bodily dimensions, or his religion. His new offensive coordinator, former Utah quarterback Cam Rising, helps him grow to be even more ready for the next stage.

The Smigiel journey continues, and it’s going to be fairly a trip to observe.

Wednesday: Valencia working back Brian Bonner.

Quarterbacks to watch

Bryson Beaver, Vista Murrieta, 6-3, 195, Sr.: Oregon commit handed for 3,214 yards, 33 touchdowns last season

Corin Berry, Charter Oak, 6-3, 185, Sr. Purdue commit handed for 3,034 yards, 33 touchdowns in 2024

Wyatt Brown, Sherman Oaks Notre Dame, 6-4, 190, Sr.: Santa Monica switch is prepared for Mission League

Luke Fahey, Mission Viejo, 6-0, 185, Sr.: Ohio State commit has great arm, good instincts and is big-time in the clutch

Ryan Hopkins, Mater Dei, 6-3, 190, Sr.: Wisconsin commit is one of the quickest QBs in the state

Jaden Jefferson, Cathedral, 5-9, 175, Jr.: Completed 68% of his passes with only 4 interceptions

Koa Malau’ulu, St. John Bosco, 6-2, 175, So.: Threw for 19 touchdowns as a freshman

Ryan Rakowski, Palos Verdes, 5-11, 170, Jr. : Passed for 2,809 yards, 24 touchdowns last season

Oscar Rios, Downey, 6-3, 180, Sr.: Arizona commit is terrific passer, runner and chief

Brady Smigiel, Newbury Park, 6-5, 210, Sr.: Michigan commit has handed for 147 TDs in three seasons