Interest rising in Smoot
The defensive end class in the state of Ohio for 2012 was one of the best on record. Their encore is not quite as strong, but there are still several interesting defensive end prospects in the state's 2013 class, including Groveport (Ohio) Madison's Dawuane Smoot.
The 6-3, 225-pound Smoot has been receiving interest from a number of MAC schools, as well as Big Ten programs Iowa, Michigan and Minnesota.
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"I've been getting a lot of letters and interest from Michigan, but they haven't offered me," Smoot said. "They said they will be interested in me if I get up to 235 at the beginning of the season. They have been sending me letters about their camp at the beginning of the summer."
Growing up in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio and near the campus of the Ohio State University, Smoot said his local allegiances have not affected his perception of Michigan.
"Whatever college gives me a full ride and an education, I am cool with that school," Smoot said. "Because I am from Ohio, obviously my family has been rooting for Ohio State, but I'm not that big of a fan. I would love to go to Michigan or Ohio State. They are both pretty big colleges."
Smoot will look at attending Michigan's summer camp and is also weighing spring game visit invitations to Bowling Green and Toledo. The Rockets became the first school to offer him earlier this winter.
"That came through in December and they're saying they want me to come up there and lead Rocket nation," Smoot said. "My interest level for Toledo is high. I like that comfortable feel of the University."
This past season, Smoot recorded 86 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and nine sacks from his defensive end position. His size could translate to defensive end or linebacker in college.
"I prefer defensive end," Smoot said. "Since I am a pretty fast guy I can get off the block a little bit faster and I've been playing that since little league. Linebacker is a secondary position, but I would prefer defensive end."
This off-season, Smoot says he has been lifting seven days a week and he is also preparing for the outdoor track season where he runs the 110 and 330 hurdles and also throws discus and shot put.