Florida DE heading out of state
Tampa (Fla.) Jesuit is home to a rising defensive end prospect that has begun to garner attention from several schools across the country. A. J. Smith, a 6-foot-6, 220-pound athlete who runs a 4.9-second 40-yard dash, plans to have a stellar senior season.
"I am looking at Northwestern, Duke, Georgia Tech, UConn, and North Carolina," said Smith of the schools he's most interested in. "They're all recruiting me pretty hard."
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Although he has yet to receive any offers, he did get calls from all of his favorites in May, along with William & Mary and most of the Ivy League schools. Most of the coaches also visited his high school.
While he doesn't list a favorite school right now, Smith said that proximity to home is not important, but "I like the warm weather of Florida."
They are not in his group of favorites now, but Smith grew up cheering for Florida State and notes that both of his parents attended there. He has attended camps at Duke, Northwestern, and South Florida this summer.
"I give a 100-percent effort every play," Smith commented regarding his demeanor on the field. "I try to pattern my style of play after Simeon Rice. It's just the way he comes off, and I'd say he is the best defensive end in football."
Last year was A.J.'s first year as a starter as he pitched in 58 tackles and seven sacks. He is an excellent athlete and is also a starter on the basketball team as a center.
Smith attends a college prep school and is therefore ready to face the rigors of school work at the next level. He carries a 3.1 GPA into his senior year, and has already scored a 23 on the ACT and a 1,030 on the SAT.