24 Aug 2025 501 Football Team 2025: Jeremiah Smallwood – Morrilton

Jeremiah Smallwood, a senior wide receiver and defensive back for the Morrilton Devil Dogs, embodies a quiet strength that elevates his entire team. Drawn to football by “playing with my family and genuinely having fun while playing,” he has grown into a highly respected figure on and off the field.

Head Coach Cody McNabb emphasized his character, stating he possesses a “great work ethic” and is “humble, loyal and respectful — a great teammate and great person.” Even though he didn’t see the field much last year, Coach McNabb affirmed that Smallwood “is someone you can count on” and “he makes the people around him better because of his character.”

He snagged his first interception in the peewee Super Bowl in fourth grade. “It’s my favorite football memory because it was a way I was able to help my team to a major victory.” This season, his personal goal is to help the team in “any way possible for us to succeed at the highest level,” aiming for the team to “win a state championship by being the hardest-working and most-disciplined team in the state.”

Beyond the gridiron, Smallwood’s positive influence continues. “He is good to everybody and respects everyone, making him an excellent classmate,” McNabb said. He also plays baseball for the Devil Dogs and has been deeply involved in the band since seventh grade, playing the saxophone for “going on six years.” After high school, Smallwood plans to attend college and pursue a degree in kinesiology.