Charlotte safety decides to head West

On the same day he picked up his dream offer, Charlotte (N.C.) Providence safety Daniel Smith made a decision late last month. Who did the 6-foot-3, 193-pounder decide to commit to?

"I got offers from Hawaii and Portland State," he said. "Right after getting the offer from Hawaii on April 26th, I committed. They actually offered me on my birthday and I think that is where I want to be."

What made Smith pull the trigger so quickly?

"I went out there on an unofficial and met my recruiter, Jeff Reinebold," he said. "I just felt like I loved their campus and they have a good team. Jeff was really nice to me and I liked how the coaches were positive. They even talked to me about graduating early so I can get there in January. For me, it was the right place and I wanted to be there over anywhere else.

"I really do like the chemistry on the football team and the way the coaches treat their players. I also really enjoyed the environment there, it's Hawaii, and you can't beat that."

Obviously the coaches have some solid professional experience led by June Jones. How much did that play into Smith's decision?

"That played into it a lot," he said. "I'm from Toronto, Canada and coach Reinebold coached in the CFL. I heard about him and just knowing his background helped in my decision. Then with June Jones there, he has changed the entire program and they have done some amazing things."

At this time, the coaches haven't discussed much in the way of playing time.

The Tar Heel State prospect went on to discuss his thoughts on the decision.

"I'm just really happy with it, I can't wait to go out there and play for them," he said. "I don't know if I'll graduate early. I've got to meet with my guidance counselor, but I'm definitely thinking about it."

Last season Smith posted 42 tackles and eight deflections as a junior.