Florida RB has top four... with an asterisk
One often has to read between the lines when it comes to evaluating where a certain prospect’s main interest lies.
Such is the case now for Pompano Beach (Fla.) Ely running back Norris Smith.
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When asked about his current favorites, Smith offers an unusual answer: “Right now, I kind of want to say, but in a way I don’t. I guess you could say Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, Ole Miss and Pitt. But I need to wait and see what happens.”
Why the holding pattern?
Smith grew up a Florida State diehard and his cousin, Kendyll Pope, plays for the Seminoles. He’s been on the record as saying he’d jump on a scholarship offer if Bobby Bowden & Co. delivered, but he’s starting to wonder if he’s in their plans at all.
“I’ve always had a lot of interest, but I’m not getting any in return,” he said. “I saw my name on a story at Warchant saying I was one of their top running backs, but I haven’t heard anything from the coaches. All I know is it looks like I could have an academic scholarship there. I just don’t know."
In the meantime, he’s going about the process of checking out some other schools.
“I’ll be going to Michigan State in July," Smith said. "I’m also looking at Florida and Miami. Coach Zook came out to practice and watched me this spring. They said they love my style, the way I hit the holes at full speed, so I’m looking forward to hearing from them again when they can make calls.”
His current offers include Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, Ole Miss, Illinois, Pitt, Boston College, Mississippi State, Marshall, N.C. State and Wake Forest.
Smith rushed for 750 yards and 16 touchdowns as a junior backing up all-stater and Miami signee Tyrone Moss. He’s expected to move into the primary ballcarrier’s role this season, so look for his production to take a big step up.
Academically, he carries a 3.5 GPA and is awaiting his test scores. He’s projected as an easy full-qualifier.