KANSAS CITY — Fort Osage senior Ky’Von Smith is establishing himself this season as one of the KC area’s premier cover corners.

A year ago, the Indians had to replace 25 seniors and competed with a large group of sophomores and juniors. One year later, that experience has paid off as Fort Osage is off to a 4-1 start and nearly remained undefeated with a narrow loss to Staley on Friday.

Matched up throughout much of the game on an inland with Rod Criss — one of the city’s top WRs — Smith held his own against the talented senior and showed why he is drawing interest from several college programs.

“For people that have never see me play, I’m am an exciting player to watch because I’m very talented and I never give up,” Smith said. “I have fun while playing, I use my speed as an advantage when I play.”

Smith says he spent much of the offseason working on improving his speed. He has been timed as fast as 4.47 seconds in the 40-yard dash and says he hopes to someday run a 4.42. He says working out on hills has helped him open up his stride more.

He began playing football at age 9 for local little league teams as a quarterback and half back.

A fan of Odell Beckham, Smith says his father has been the most influential person in his football career to date.

“He always keeps my head on track he takes me to camps and stuff,” Smith said. “He just sits down with me every time I see him and talks about football and what I can be and do by keeping me head straight and focused.

Smith has drawn interest from Western Illinois but did not hold an offer at last report.