Western’s most experienced quarterback this spring has thrown 35 total career passes.

But senior quarterback Brandon Smith is taking it in stride as he gets the chance to prove he is capable of starting for the Toppers.

“It’s a little different being the oldest one,” Smith said. “Not only do you have to take care of yourself, but you have to help (the younger quarterbacks) along and show them the things to do.”

A few years ago Smith was that young quarterback, being mentored by former Topper Justin Haddix. Haddix is second all-time for Western with 7,921 passing yards.

“I learned a lot from him, not necessarily football wise, but intangibles and things like that,” Smith said.

Smith has some accolades of his own, but at the high school level. Starting for three years at Boyle County High School, Smith ranks in the top-five all-time in Kentucky in touchdowns (116) and passing yards (8,796).

But in his years at Western, Smith has been buried behind Haddix, KJ Black and David Wolke on the depth chart.

There are five quarterbacks on the roster, and Smith is the only one who is not a freshman or sophomore.

With spring practice underway, all eyes are on the quarterback race and who will come out on top.

“The most popular (position battle) is obviously quarterback, and that is going to be fun to watch from day-to-day, especially as we get into scrimmage situations,” coach David Elson said.

“For some of the younger quarterbacks the transition to first-year offensive coordinator Walter Wells’ new offense may be challenging, but Wells has been a coach the whole time Smith has been at Western, so they have already gotten close.

We have a great relationship,” he said. “He is a great coach, and so far, the plan he has put together is a great plan for us and our personnel.”

After the first practice, Elson said he had noticed the play of Smith and sophomore Kawaun Jakes above the rest of the quarterbacks, but spring practice is far from over.

“We’ve got five good guys – everybody is competing,” Smith said. “We are competing, but we are still trying to get used to the offense.”

Smith and the rest of the Toppers had their first practice in pads on Wednesday and will practice again on Friday before the first scrimmage on Saturday.