Hollywood Smothers embraced his chance to come home

By Ethan McDowell

Hollywood Smothers spent last fall celebrating KC Concepcion’s success over text messages. The former high school teammates took separate paths for their freshman seasons after emerging as elite prep recruits but wound up back together this fall. 

Smothers picked Oklahoma from a top four of the Sooners, NC State, Florida State and Alabama. Concepcion committed to the Wolfpack over UNC and emerged as a star, winning the ACC’s Rookie of the Year award. The two playmakers stayed in touch throughout the year.

While Smothers played in a reserve role and redshirted at Oklahoma, he saw Concepcion making the same plays they used to make together at Charlotte (N.C.) Chambers High and would send him texts to congratulate him. After the season, the running back hit the portal.

He’s almost nine months into his tenure with the Wolfpack, and he’s enjoying the chance to compete alongside his long-time friend again. 

“Now, I can see him make that play on the field,” Smothers said. “I can run 30 yards down the field … I can go celebrate with him now. 

“It’s definitely a great feeling being back out there with him. When you’re out there with guys you love, who you grew relationships with, it makes the games more fun. You’re willing to try harder for those guys. You want to do all you can so they can have as much success as possible.”

Smothers will make his NC State debut Aug. 29 against Western Carolina, but this won’t be his first time competing in Carter-Finley Stadium. He and Concepcion won a state championship together at Chambers in 2021, taking down a Rolesville (N.C.) High squad that included emerging star receiver Noah Rogers. 

They’re all on the same team now, representing North Carolina prep football at the ACC level for their home-state program. Concepcion chose the Pack from the start. NC State welcomed Rogers and Smothers back with open arms. 

Head coach Dave Doeren and the rest of the coaches have spent the past couple of years emphasizing that elite in-state recruits can accomplish all of their goals in Raleigh. That sentiment resonated with Smothers after transferring back home.

“Coach Doeren told me, ‘Why go somewhere far from home when you can execute your dreams close to home, where your family can come see you, and you can spend it with your brothers?’… 

“I just can’t wait to show other kids back in high school you don’t have to go far from home to make things happen,” Smothers said. 

When NC State reached out to him in the portal, Doeren showed the same love that the coaches shared when he was a high school recruit. The staff made his next decision easy. After an official visit, he committed to the Wolfpack. 

“It felt like I was right back at home,” Smothers said. “It’s been a great decision for me.”

He spent this offseason working on his skill set as a downhill runner. He also just improved his overall consistency off the field. Smothers found a routine with the Wolfpack and stuck to it. 

The redshirt freshman impressed multiple sources during last week’s scrimmage. He was quick to credit the offensive line and the team overall. The Pack avoided turnovers, which helped make it a successful day in Smothers’ opinion. 

NC State’s running back room is filled with talent and experience. The players and staff have praised everyone from graduate Jordan Waters to true freshman Duke Scott. Running backs coach Todd Goebbel set the standard in the room according to Smothers, and he has enjoyed learning from the Wolfpack assistant. 

“He’s a great coach,” Smothers said. “He really breaks the game down and helps make the game slower for you so you can make plays. It’s hard for a playmaker to make plays if you’re constantly thinking.”

Smothers finished his freshman season at Oklahoma with 11 carries for 42 yards, playing 33 total snaps. He’s going to be a key part of the running back rotation this fall and could also start at kick return. With the support of his home state behind him, the running back is ready for this fall. 

“It’s going to be a whole lot of fun,” Smothers said. “I can’t wait for y’all to see the show.”