Smith already holds BCS offers from Arizona, Boston College, Illinois, Minnesota, Oregon State, Purdue, and West Virginia along with offers from Central Michigan, Northern Illinois, Toledo and Western Michigan. Additionally, Smith is receiving interest from Indiana, Georgia Tech, Wisconsin, Vanderbilt, and the Irish.
Smith, who was clocked at 4.38 last year, rushed for almost 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns as a junior.
An Illinois native, Notre Dame recruiting coordinator Chuck Martin has plenty of contacts within the state, but an especially tight connection with Smith’s head coach, Dan Stell.
“He used to coach my head coach and they’re pretty tight,” Smith said.
Martin is trying to build a relationship with Smith now.
“I’ve been talking to Coach Martin, it’s constant contact really,” said Smith. “He’s been asking me how school is going and track and stuff.”
Smith plans on attending Notre Dame’s one-day camp next month with the hopes of adding to his offer sheet, “There’s possibly an offer out there, yeah.”
Smith admits he doesn’t really know much about Notre Dame as a school or a program, but is happy for what the attention he’s received from each college has meant for those around him.
“It’s good to bring some attention to my high school because it’s kind of small,” he said. “It’s good to get that attention.”
It’s going to be a busy summer for Smith, who plans on making trips to Vanderbilt, Wisconsin and Indiana, in addition to Notre Dame. Smith is motivated by the prospect of having to earn offers at camps and intends to rely on his size, speed and athleticism.
Comfort will be a big factor in his decision.
“A home away from home really that just has that family feel,” he said.
He isn’t sure when an announcement will come, but doesn’t expect one before the fall.
“Most likely, I will use some of my official visits, maybe two or three,” he said.
