For Veteran Wideouts, New Year Brings New Numbers

The nicknames almost write themselves. Thing 1 and Thing 2. 1-2 punch.

And if you forget who junior wide receiver Andrew Fischer and senior wideout Seitu Smith II are now that the pair have switched their jersey numbers to No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, just remember they are the fast guys—the really fast guys.

Asked about the duo’s speed, quarterback Conner Hempel called the junior “Fischer Fast.’”

“Trying to keep up with him is tough,” Hempel said, “but Seitu is right there.”

Hempel targeted the pair early and often during Wednesday’s practice and said they will play a large part in this year’s offense afterwards. Smith has been practicing at running back as well as receiver since the spring. Hempel said he’s looked like a natural at the position since the spring game.

“If you look at him and Andrew Fischer, they are the prototype of the type of skill athlete you have to recruit to be successful,” Harvard coach Tim Murphy said. “Both played running back and wide receiver in high school, and both were really good threats at both positions, and they are fast enough and physical enough to handle it.”

During practice, the two are almost always together, whether they are standing back waiting for a kick return or handing the ball off during a double reverse.

Fischer said the two are together off the field too, studying tape and teaching each other because their roles are so similar.

Yet, the simultaneous number change was “just a coincidence,” Fischer said. “It worked out though.”

“I’m very excited to showcase the No. 1,” he added. “I was given No. 32 freshman year so I wanted to get a number that I feel suited me.”

Murphy explained that once a player establishes himself on the team, they are given an opportunity to switch numbers, and that most of his skill players traditionally have wanted to move into the single digits.

An offensive player has not worn No. 1 since 2010, when then-freshman Chris Splinter ’14 played wide receiver. He switched to defensive back after that season.

Smith switched his No. 10 with junior quarterback Jimmy Meyer’s No. 2. Kicker Andrew Flesher also wears No. 2.

Fellow returner Bryce Walker has also switched his number, going from No. 80 to No. 11. To make things a little more confusing, the other Smith, Seitu’s freshman brother Semar, will now wear 32, Fischer’s old number.

In addition to playing fast, Fischer and Smith start fast, too.

Smith led the team with 89 receiving yards in last year’s season-opening 42-20 victory at the University of San Diego. He also had 28 return yards. Fischer had 20 return yards to go with 71 receiving yards and a team-high two touchdowns.

Both failed to reach those numbers again though. Fischer finished the season with 285 receiving yards and three scores. Smith had 214 yards and no touchdowns on the year.

They will look to add consistency to burst on their resume this season.

“I put a lot of emphasis on making sure I get every play call correct, run the right route, do all my conversions, and just be in sync with the entire offense,” Fischer said.

While Fischer is faster, “Seitu can bring the boom,” Hempel said.

Smith is listed at 5’10”, but his quarterback said the senior has the physical toughness to run between the tackles.

“He’s completely confident in himself and what he can do on the field,” Hempel said. “He’s not afraid to back down to anybody, no matter what size they are.”

That philosophy holds for teammates as well as opponents. During training camp, Smith was not shy about getting in a defender’s face after a play.

“It’s fair to say that he is just an extremely competitive person,” Murphy said. “He’s a tough guy…and sometimes he lets that get the best of him, but I’ve always said it’s easier to break a stallion than it is to throw a saddle on a donkey and go into battle.”

—Staff writer Jacob D. H. Feldman can be reached at jacob.feldman@thecrimson.com.Follow him on Twitter @jacobfeldman4.