Missouri Recruit has First 3 Offers-Big 12 Schools

NAME: Korey Smith

POSITION: Weakside defensive End

SCHOOL: Kirkwood High School, Kirkwood, Missouri

TEAM RECORD: 6-5

HEIGHT: 6-foot-4

WEIGHT: 217 pounds

40 TIME: 4.57 (handheld)

BENCH: 280

SQUAT: 10 reps at 225

VERTICAL LEAP: Not Available

GPA: 3.69 cumulative

ACT: 21

Korey racked up 92 tackles, 16 sacks and 4 fumble recoveries on his way to being named First Team All-Conference, All-District and All-State. He was also a team captain and named to the Who's Who in Sports All-Star.

Korey has offers from Oklahoma State, Kansas and Iowa State.

He has been hearing from 30 to 40 school including Iowa, Missouri, Alabama, Illinois, Florida, UCLA, Michigan, Michigan State, Boston College, Nebraska and Indiana.

"Distance might affect my decision, as I would like to stay within a reasonable distance from home. But I wouldn't rule a school out just because they are farther away. Things may work out that I have to go a ways away from home to get what I want. I'm mainly looking at academics and a good opportunity to play soon," Korey said.

His decision will probably be made in January. Korey attended the Purdue Elite camp this year.

He is a Missouri fan, as he has grown up watching them play.

If he had to make his official visits, they would be to the following (his comments follow):

Missouri - "My dad graduated from there and I've been to quite a few games. I'm a long time fan of them."

Illinois - "I like the recruiter from there. He's a character and a good guy. He can cut up with you or be serious and he treats you like an equal."

Iowa - "I think I would have a good opportunity to play there and I like the campus and coaches. The campus is spacious and you don't feel crowded there."

Florida - "I have a couple of ex-teammates who go there, so I'd like to learn more about their program, coaches and facilities."

"As for a fifth pick, I haven't given it enough thought to really pick number five, so I'll just give four for now," Korey Smith said.

Korey said of his strong points - "I'm relentless and I run after the ball. I'm a good pass rusher and run stopper. I'm a balanced attack player."

He describes himself as - "I give 100% all the time. I guess a Grant Wistrom type of player."

Korey will probably major in business and minor in criminal justice, so he can follow in his dad's footsteps as a Secret Service Agent.

When asked about a toughest opposing player he said, "I've played against a lot of really good players so nobody really stands out. There have been many big name players that I've played with or against, so I couldn't really pick a standout."