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Artical by Pensacola Sports journalist Jeff Haws • jhaws@pnj.com • May 23, 2009

Escambia's Smith runs for 136 yards at spring game to help fill void left by Richardson
It may take a little time for Escambia High football fans to get used to not seeing Trent Richardson in the backfield.  If Friday night is any indication, though, Marheem Smith will do his best to at least ease the transition along.It only took him two plays to make his first mark in the Gators' spring game at Pensacola High, breaking the second play from scrimmage through the left side of the line for a 75-yard touchdown run.That was the first glimpse that, while Richardson may be headed to Alabama, the Gators' running game might not have left with him."I know he isn't Trent Richardson, but I think (Smith) can be a great high school running back," said Escambia coach Jimmy Nichols, whose team won the all- varsity scrimmage 8-6. "He's got great speed. He runs a 10.8 (100-meter dash)."And he's a tough kid. I'm excited about our football team. "The biggest reason for that on Friday may have been Smith, who finished with 136 yards and a touchdown on eight carries.  In addition to his 75-yard scamper, he had runs of 31 and 12 yards to add to his night.  Smith has been close to Richardson during his time at Escambia, and he said Richardson's influence helped him get to this point.  "He helped me a lot," Smith said. "He showed me what to do and how to do it. He showed me how to work."  It paid off Friday, and it was needed on a night when Escambia completed just one pass.  Much of that had to do with a quick, athletic defensive front for the Tigers that often found its way into the Escambia backfield to break up plays. The success of Escambia's running game also made passing less necessary, as the Gators outrushed PHS 190-98 on 12 fewer running plays. The bulk of that came from Smith, but Michael Travis' 32 and Quay Dirden's 17 helped build up that total, behind an offensive line that came into this season trying to be a team strength, where last season it was a weakness.  "We made some mistakes," Nichols said. "I think our offensive line, that's where we need help. Last year, that was the worst part of our whole football team. I think they're going to be much, much improved."  If they are, Smith is still unlikely to put up totals like Richardson, but he might not need to in order for the Gators to win ball games.  Friday night, though, was his chance to make an impression on the coaches and fans, and he took advantage of it.  "I wanted to show it (running ability) very badly," Smith said. "It's something I wanted to do. I knew I could do it. I just wanted that one chance to do it."