LANTANA – AnaTay Smith is one of the best overall players from both the Muck and Palm Beach County.
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Both his junior season’s statistics and Hudl film will prove this is true in more ways than one.
In 12 games played, the ‘25 ATH posted the following marks in 2023:
•437 passing yards at quarterback
•125 rushing yards at running back
•18 receptions for 334 yards at wide receiver
•896 total yards
•15 total touchdowns
The 5-foot-11, 170-pound athlete had at least two standouts games this past season for the Santaluces Chiefs. Here they are right below.
•Week 1 vs. Pahokee in 38-14 home win: four receptions for 80 yards and two touchdowns
•Week 9 at Spanish River in 52-34 road win: 150 passing yards with three touchdowns and one interception; 11 carries for 100 yards and two touchdowns; 250 total yards and five total touchdowns
Smith spoke on the Pahokee game, which carried a lot of significance to him since he performed well against his hometown team.
“That’s where I’m from, so it kinda made me feel good to go off against them,” he said.
Smith on the Spanish River game:
“This was my first game at quarterback after our quarterback (Shyeia Deveaux – ‘24) went down,” he said.
Smith recapped his junior season at Santaluces.
“We had a good season,” he said. “Minor issues like team discipline is what caught up with us in the playoffs against Monarch. But overall, I felt we had a pretty solid season.”
Santaluces defensive coordinator and fellow Muckstepper Samuel Putmon (Belle Glade) weighed in on what Smith brings to the team.
“AnaTay is a highly skilled two-way player with elite ball skills,” Putmon said. “He also has an extremely high football IQ, which enables him to make impact plays at any point during a game.”
At this time, Smith has college scholarship offers from the following seven schools:
•West Virginia
•Pitt
•FAU
•Western Kentucky
•Western Michigan
•Bowling Green
•UMass
“As of right now, I don’t have any favorites,” he said. “I’m still looking.”
As Smith works to improve his overall craft by running track, participating in 7-on-7 play, and working out, he credits both Santaluces head coach Hector Clavijo and Putmon for his success both on and off the field at this point.
“Coach Clavijo a great coach who has been pushing me to be at the highest level I can be,” he said. “Coach Putmon is one of the best coaches I’ve had. He taught me a lot on and off the field.”
Speaking of 7-on-7 play, Smith has been working with Santaluces ‘26 quarterback Chris Siska.
“Our 7-on-7 has been going good,” he said. “I’m trying to build more chemistry with our QB Chris Siska. He’s a great kid. As you guys probably don’t know, he was out this past season because of a broken elbow. He’s been back for about two months and already looking good and comfortable.”
With that said, Smith is looking forward to have a senior season to remember this fall. He’s really looking forward to his return home to Pahokee, as he left his hometown in the Muck for the coast about four years ago as an eighth grader.
“I mean, it feels great coming from the Muck,” he said. “Most of my family is from there, so it’s all family and love over there. It’s just no way I could not have pride for the Muck. I grew up around that area as a kid. That’ll forever be home to me.”
Santaluces is slated to go on the road in Week 9 at Pahokee.
As for the entire season slate, Smith shared his ultimate aspirations.
“Personally I want to make it to at least the last four (state semifinals),” he said. “I expect to reach 20 touchdowns and 1,000 yards with at least five interceptions.”
PHOTO CREDITS: Alex Muniz
Muck City Media Enterprises 
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