Local star QB takes in Alabama junior day

One of the top prospects in Alabama, quarterback Zach Smith out of Altoona (Ala.) Susan Moore took a trip down to Tuscaloosa this past weekend. The Crimson Tide at the moment are still the 6-foot-0, 164-pounder's leader. What did they do this weekend to solidify themselves in the top spot?

"I got there and was able to talk with a lot of the guys I played against in the Alabama all-star game which was fun and I enjoyed seeing them again," he said. "Then I got to talk to coach Dave Rader a lot. I've been calling him on the phone pretty regularly the past six months and we have a real good relationship because we don't just talk about football, he'll talk to me about how everything else is going too.

"During my visit I didn't get to spend a lot of time with coach Shula because all the other players were mobbing him, but I did get to talk with John Parker Wilson. I used to be real good friends with his little brother and it was nice to know he came into the program with my size. Besides that, I finally got to see the facilities for the first time and they were unbelievable."

Recruiting has picked up rapidly for Smith over the last couple months. He has been receiving a lot more interest from schools including Louisville, Auburn, Michigan, Georgia, Florida, Florida State, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Georgia Tech and Vanderbilt.

"At the moment I wouldn't say I have a favorite completely because I like all the schools," he said. "Growing up in Alabama and being a fan of the Tide though would make me favor them a little more right now.

"If they were to offer, my dad and I would have to at least think about possibly committing. It would be real exciting to go out in front of those thousands of fans and I already do have a great relationship with the coaches, but at the same time I don't want to leave anything unturned."

Last season Smith accounted for 3,400 yards of offense and 30 touchdowns as he was named ASWA Class 3A all-state for a second year in a row.

"The thing you'll notice about me is my feet," he said. "I'm real quick as I did run for over 900 yards last season. I also have a real strong arm and have a quick setup and I know how to make things happen."

The quarterback prospect plans to show off his talent at the Nike Camp at Clemson, Elite 11 at Georgia Tech along with possible summer camps at Alabama, Auburn, Florida and Vanderbilt.