Corey Smith, a four-star wide receiver by 247.com and Rivals.com from Akron, Ohio, announced his commitment to the University of Tennessee on Friday.
Smith, a 6-foot, 175-pound member of the Class of 2012, chose Tennessee over North Carolina, West Virginia, Illinois, Michigan State and Ohio State. He also had offers from Alabama, Georgia, Notre Dame and Penn State before narrowing his choices.
"It was trust," Smith told 247sports.com. "They were the only ones I felt like were more concerned about me than anything.
"I have a good relationship with (receivers) Coach (Charlie) Baggett," he said. "I like the coaching staff. They have good facilities and good academics."
As a junior, Smith caught 52 passes for 1,161 yards and 16 touchdowns.
However, Smith, who transferred midway through high school, has academic issues heading into what would be his senior season at Buchtel High School.
Buchtel coach Ricky Powers told the Akron Beacon Journal that, while Smith was eligible to come back and play one more season there, the fact that he has been in high school four years and has Division I interest means that the school "won't allow him to come back here and play high school football" because they feel like he deserves his chance to play collegiate football.
Smith will attend East Mississippi Community College as he tries to become eligible for Tennessee. He joins Imani Cross, a 6-0, 215-pound running back from Gainesville, Ga., as Derek Dooley's first two commitments for the class of 2012.
Oregon sends Lady Vols home from…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 4
69vol08 writes:
Key quote:
"They were the only ones I felt like were more concerned about me than anything."
That is what it should be about! If we recruit this way, we will build a strong program. Be patient, give CDD time!
CroKev writes:
That quote jumped out at me as well. Can somebody please Twitter that comment to every 5 and 4 star recruit in the country (and even more importantly, make sure their parents see it as well)?
stormblast writes:
Hopefully he can work on his academics before stepping on UT campus.
Gomersezhey writes:
Upset because he didn't choose Tiger High are we? Joe's Barber College has tougher standards.
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