Bay Area RB lands first two offers

That running back/cornerback Adonis Smith (5-11, 185, 4.48) from San Mateo (Calif.) Serra was able to get all-league as a junior is saying a mouthful. The reason being three running backs from his league ended up signing D-I scholarships. Smith already has picked up two offers.

Dasarte Yarnway (Cal), Cameron Marshall (ASU) and Usua Amanam (Stanford) were the players that Smith competed against in the tough WCAL league.

Smith was also an all-area selection after rushing for 644 yards and eight touchdowns while averaging 7.2 yards per carry. He also had 12 receptions out of the backfield for 104 yards and another score.

Another thing adding to Smith's value is his special teams play. He returned six kicks for 125 yards and one touchdown. As a punt returner, Smith had 153 punt return yards for an average of 20.8 yards per return.

The word about Smith's ability is getting out. He his first offer during his junior season from Utah and he just received his second offer last week from Washington State.

"Adonis was excited when he received his first offer at the end of last season from Utah," Melvin Smith, Adonis' dad said. "Then he received his second offer from Washington State and once again he was really excited because he wants to stay on the West Coast, plus it was a Pac 10 school."

Smith is getting recruiting interest from the likes of Arizona, Arizona State, Cal, UCLA, USC, Colorado and Nebraska.

The Bay Area athlete has a busy itinerary over the next few months taking in junior days and camps.

"Adonis is probably going to USC's Rising Stars Camp and he has been invited to the NIKE Camp to be held in Palo Alto in May," Melvin Smith said. "We will be going to UCLA's Junior Day in April 11th for the tour and then we will return for their spring game on April 25th."

"On April 4th we will be going to ASU and get the tour and see them practice," Melvin Smith said. "We were also invited to Nebraska's spring game, but we're not sure if we will be able to attend."

Serra coach Patrick Walsh has a pretty good idea why his talented running back is drawing all this recruiting attention.

"Adonis is a special back with a rare combination of vision, balance and speed," Walsh said. "Many teams are running zone schemes at the next level and I believe with Adonis' skill he will fit in nicely at the collegiate level."

"Adonis moves piles with his leg drive and through his efforts in the off season I believe he is poised for a great senior year," Walsh said. "With a young QB we will be looking to him and the offensive line to shoulder the responsibility of generating first downs and points.

"The WCAL is a brutal league and traditionally it is very tough to go both ways," Walsh said. "But again, with rigorous off season preparation we are looking for Adonis to play corner and to be an impact player on our return teams. This will be the best situation for our team and will also improve his stock as a Major Division 1 (FCS) recruit."