There were times when Justin Smich took the field last year and was “scared.”

“I was 138 pounds,” he said.

The Port Charlotte utility player played running back and was the backup quarterback and wide receiver.

Smich gained 14 pounds on his 5-foot-8 frame from a year ago. Pound-for-pound, he’s the strongest Pirate.

Using a formula created by the National Strength and Conditioning Association, Port Charlotte coach Dave Hoffer puts his players through three weightlifts: bench, squat and clean.

Smich benched 215, squatted 395 and power cleaned 235.

He was the only one to reach Pirate Elite standard all three times he was tested.

“It feels real good,” Smich said.

While he was happy about his power clean, Smich is proud he improved his squats all three times.

“It gives me a lot of confidence when I go on the field,” Smich said.

When he takes the field this season, the senior will be playing a new position. Out of necessity, Smich will play cornerback, a move he cherishes.

“Defense is definitely better,” said Smich, who played defense in Pop Warner football. “There is more hitting than getting hit.”