MISSOURI CITY \u2013 Ainias Smith bolted from drill to drill, talking, teaching and, most of all, smiling as he orchestrated a family dream.<\/p>\n
The Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver, a former Texas A&M and Dulles standout, held a youth football camp and showcase that included a symposium with panel discussions on Name, Image and Likeness compensation, recruiting, media tips and financial literacy.<\/p>\n
It was a family affair for Smith as his parents and friends helped him carry out his vision to give young people a boost in Missouri City during a camp at Freedom Center Church.<\/p>\n
Smith was joined by several former Aggies, including New England Patriots starting offensive guard Layden Robinson, Las Vegas Raiders running back Isaiah Spiller, San Antonio Brahmas quarterback Kellen Mond, Houston Roughnecks all-league safety Leon O\u2019Neal as well as Eagles defensive end Jalyx Hunt, a Houston Christian alum, and Green Bay Packers offensive lineman Brant Banks, a former Rice and Nebraska player.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019ve taken in the knowledge pretty quickly, quicker than I expected actually,\u201d Smith told KPRC 2. \u201cI\u2019m very happy with the results. The boys are getting better, so I\u2019m thankful for sure. I\u2019m thankful for them to come out and give back their knowledge that they have to pass it on to these kids.\u201d<\/p>\n
Drafted in the fifth round last year, Smith spent his rookie season getting healthy and in optimal condition after dealing with a stress fracture in his shin. He has made a full recovery and is noticeably leaner as he looks to increase his role in his second NFL season.<\/p>\n
\u201cSince last year, I really didn\u2019t have the full offseason, but now I feel real good this year, I\u2019m excited,\u201d said Smith, who caught seven passes for 41 yards and one touchdown in seven games and one start as a rookie with two carries for six yards. \u201cI\u2019m explosive. I\u2019m lighter than I was last year, so I\u2019m excited for sure. I lost a few pounds, for sure.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Eagles gather on July 18 in advance of getting their Super Bowl rings after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in the big game.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re going out there on the 18th,\u201d Smith said. \u201cMan, definitely, I\u2019m blessed, thankful. I\u2019m just happy for the experience and hopefully we\u2019re going to continue to get some more.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Eagles have established themselves as a powerhouse in the NFC under the leadership of coach Nick Sirianni and general manager Howie Roseman.<\/p>\n
Perhaps there\u2019s a dynasty in the making.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s the goal, yes sir, for sure,\u201d Smith said. \u201cWinning culture, for sure. They set the standard very high. The bar, it\u2019s been set for a while now. When you come in, there\u2019s no games that are able to be played. You\u2019ve gotta get in where you fit in, but you\u2019ve gotta definitely put in that work for sure.\u201d<\/p>\n
Catching passes from star quarterback Jalen Hurts is a joy for Smith, who caught 180 career passes for 2,407 yards and 19 touchdowns for the Aggies. He also rushed for 405 yards and four scores and returned two punts for touchdowns.<\/p>\n
\u201cDefinitely a professional,\u201d Smith said. \u201cWhen it comes to details, scheduling, all of that, he\u2019s on top of all of that. So, I\u2019m just very happy for the experience.\u201d<\/p>\n
As Smith gave instruction to the campers while celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Heavenbound Christian League, Sirriani\u2019s words of wisdom came to mind.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes sir, for sure, he definitely gave me some words,\u201d Smith said. \u201cI preached to these kids a little bit.\u201d<\/p>\n