University of Houston quarterback Donovan Smith smiles in an interview during Big 12 Media Day at Allegiant Stadium Wednesday, July 10, 2024. Smith is a Bishop Gorman High School graduate who played wide receiver and was a backup quarterback in high school.
Saturday, July 13, 2024 | 10:51 a.m.
As soon as Donovan Smith gets off the plane at Harry Reid International Airport, he knows exactly where he wants to go: Pinches Tacos.
Anytime the former Bishop Gorman High quarterback returns to Las Vegas from Texas, whether it was when he was playing at Texas Tech or now at Houston, he’d always tell his mom that they needed to go to his favorite taco spot.
“My guy, Javi, the owner, he treats everybody like family,” Smith said. “That’s where I’m always at. If you’re wondering where I’m at, I’m probably at Pinches.”
While Smith didn’t make his homecoming trip to Pinches this week, he did represent his new program, Houston, at Big 12 Media Days at Allegiant Stadium. It was his first time in the stadium, which opened in 2020.
“My whole family’s been here except me,” Smith said. “They’ve been out to all the games, but I enjoyed a lot. I feel like Vegas is the best place to be for me.”
Smith played three seasons at quarterback and wide receiver for Gorman through 2018 before transferring to Frenship High School in Wolfforth, Texas, which is located just outside of Texas Tech’s campus where Smith was committed to play.
While Smith didn’t finish out his high school career at Gorman, he felt that being a part of the program helped him prepare for the adjustment to college football.
“(Bishop) Gorman helped me a lot,” Smith said. “Just being there and experiencing everything that was happening, especially the guys that were there. Tate Martell and Brevin Jordan, who is with the Houston Texans right now. Just seeing all of them pave the way and you’re in the same shoes them.”
After two seasons with Texas Tech, amounting to 2,861 passing yards and 19 touchdowns, Smith transferred to Houston in 2023. He played in 12 games last season, recording 2,801 yards passing for 22 touchdowns. In games against West Virginia and Texas Tech, he threw a combined eight touchdowns.
He’s left a lasting impression on Houston’s coach Willie Fritz not just on the field, but as a leader off the field.
“I’ve been so impressed with Donovan (Smith). He was injured during the spring and wasn’t able to participate, but he was in every single practice all the way,” Fritz said. “He’s an unbelievable leader...He’s a true dual-threat quarterback. He does an excellent job throwing the ball, one ball, two ball, three ball I kind of call it. His football IQ is just off the charts.”
Smith understands the leadership role he’s taken on as well — not just as an older player guiding younger players, but guiding a Big 12 newcomer.
Houston is only in its second season in the Big 12 and will face Iowa State, Kansas, Utah, Arizona and BYU for the first time as conference opponents.
“It’s definitely a big, big growth you have to do,” Smith said. “That’s true in all parts of the university. “You’re in a Big 12 so academics change a lot and sports changed a lot as well. You have to adapt to it, but it’s definitely changed. I feel like we’ve adapted very well.”
Taking on a full-time leadership role, Smith is embracing the challenge and what’s ahead for the Cougars. However, he hasn’t forgotten his roots in Las Vegas.
He took his teammates around the Strip the first night he arrived and has gotten the chance to see his family, even if it’s for a brief time.
“We walked from one end of New York-New York, all the way to Fashion Show (Las Vegas),” Smith said. “We were just walking all day. It was fun. I enjoyed it.”
Smith and the Cougars will face UNLV in Houston on Aug. 31 to open the season.
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