Quarterback Zander Smith transfers from Palmetto to Class 4S state champion Lakeland

Smith, a 2-year starting quarterback for the Tigers, now heads about an hour and a half to Polk County to play for the 2022 Class 4S state champions

If there was any questions about who might be the new starting quarterback for the Lakeland Dreadnaughts, it might’ve been answered late on Friday. 

According to a report by SNNTV’s John Reynolds, former Palmetto starting quarterback Zander Smith has transferred to the 2022 Class 4S state champions. Smith announced last week a ‘thank you’ to Palmetto High School, signaling the end of his time with the Tigers. 

Thank you @PalmettoFBall ❤️ Forever a Tiger🖤 @CoachDaveMarino @CoachTyStoldt pic.twitter.com/2IyttXwJH1

— Zander “Smitty” Smith (@zander_smith15) February 15, 2023

The move comes on the heels of Palmetto naming former Lakewood Ranch head coach Rashad West to the same position with the Tigers. West had been the head coach of the Mustangs the previous four seasons. 

West replaces Dave Marino, who stepped down as Palmetto’s head coach back in early January. Marino was with the Tigers for 13 seasons before retiring. 

Smith, who will be a junior come the 2023 high school football season, has two years under his belt as a varsity starting quarterback already at Palmetto. Starting as a freshman and sophomore, Smith has thrown for 3,147 yards and 25 touchdowns in two seasons with the Tigers. 

With the ideal size (6-foot-3, 215 pounds) to play the quarterback position on the next level, Smith already holds offers from Indiana, Kansas and Toledo, according to 247Sports. 

Check out my Sophomore Season Film❗️@PalmettoFBall @CoachDaveMarino @CoachTyStoldt @RI5E_Sports @Rivals @247Sports @FBUcamp https://t.co/rLLQHp4KaC

— Zander “Smitty” Smith (@zander_smith15) November 18, 2022

Smith will head to a Lakeland program that will be in a transition from longtime head coach Bill Castle to Marvin Frazier as the new lead man. Another change will be under center, with Zachary Pleuss graduating after leading Lakeland to the 4S state championship. 

Pleuss, who transferred to Lakeland prior to the 2022 season from Ridge Community, threw for 1,470 yards and 13 touchdowns. The signal caller won’t be far from his old school as he is committed to Southeastern University, a Polk County institution. 

Andy Villamarzo can be reached at andyvillamarzo@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @Andy_Villamarzo.