Making The Case: EJ Smith
The Early Signing Period is only days away. It's officially crunch time on the recruiting calendar as verbal commitments turn to signatures on National Letters of Intent.
One of the top prospects under the spotlight is four-star athlete EJ Smith, who just led Dallas (Texas) Jesuit to an impressive postseason run and showed why he is such a hot commodity during the 2020 recruiting cycle. Before the fall, Smith named Georgia, Florida, Texas A&M, Ohio State and Stanford as finalists in his recruitment and he has officially visited all but the Cardinal.
Analysts and publishers from the Rivals network take a closer look at where one of the most sought-after athletes in the country will land.
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THE SITUATION
Smith made official visits to Florida, Georgia, Texas A&M and Ohio State thus far. Florida has a unique edge because it's his father's alma mater. The Gators have also been recruiting him for several years.
It's a similar case with Georgia, which is looking to add a second running back to the mix alongside five-star Kendall Milton. The Dawgs love Smith's versatility as a runner and a potential pass-catcher out of the backfield.
Ohio State, too, is in need of a second back in this 2020 class and the Buckeyes love how productive Smith can be in the passing game. Texas A&M remains in the mix for five-star Zachary Evans, but the Aggies are assembling a big running back haul in 2020 and want to add Smith to the fold to round out the class. Smith's older sister also attends Texas A&M.
FLORIDA
"There is obviously the family connection; there is no overlooking that, but the Rivals250 prospect has been to Gainesville multiple times as a recruit as well. He was in attendance for last year’s thriller against LSU, and then returned to Gainesville over homecoming weekend for his official visit.
"Stanford and Texas A&M have been trending as of late, but Florida does have a clear need for a running back in this year’s class and that has certainly been echoed to Smith’s family. A certain level of trust and comfort has been established as well. The likes of Greg Knox and Billy Gonzales have been communicating with Smith for well over a year and recently journeyed out to the Lone Star State as well.
"However, with Smith’s decision right around the corner, I think it’s safe to say Florida is likely trailing right now."
- Corey Bender, GatorsTerritory.com
STANFORD
"Stanford has been in a strong position for Smith since he visited Stanford during the spring. He visited again for the Notre Dame game and then found out he was admitted to the university, putting the Cardinal in a very strong position to earn his commitment. He also has saved an official visit to attend Stanford's Big Visit in January, which is another strong indicator of his interest."
- Jacob Rayburn, CardinalSportsReport.com
TEXAS A&M
"Smith would bring a unique skill set to A&M’s backfield and Jimbo Fisher has a plan on how to utilize him. He’d be going into an offense that likes to run the football, but wouldn’t be opposed to splitting him out as a receiver, either. He’s also got family ties to take into account; his sister plays on the Aggie soccer team and his mom has made it clear she likes the idea of having both kids fairly close. Palo Alto is not fairly close."
- Mark Passwaters, AggieYell.com
THE VERDICT
"EJ Smith will likely pick Texas A&M. He has family ties there and he's been to College Station many times and has a great comfort level with the coaches. I know his dad played for Florida but he will go to a different SEC team."
- Mike Farrell, Rivals.com National Recruiting Director