More interest in top QB
Tuscaloosa (Ala.) American Christian quarterback Chris Smelley continues to attract new interest in his services. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound Rivals250 selection played host to North Carolina State offensive coordinator Marc Trestman on Thursday night.
The Wolfpack interest comes on the heels of a visit by South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier and assistant Ron Cooper earlier in the week.
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"We did a lot of talking about his experience with football and what they are looking for at N.C. State," the four-star rated Smelley said. "It was very positive."
The Wolfpack did not extend a scholarship offer.
"(Trestman) said that he would offer me right now, but that he's a first-year coach and that he has to talk to the head coach (Chuck Amato) before he can offer," Smelley said. "He said he would call me back Saturday or Sunday."
According to Smelley, he has been talking with members of the NCSU coaching staff for a couple of weeks. The Pack became interested after receiving his latest highlight video.
"I am very interested in them because of (coach) Trestman's background," he said.
N.C. State during the Amato era has somewhat of a history with Alabama quarterbacks. Philip Rivers came to Raleigh lightly-regarded from Athens, Ala., and turned into a NFL first round draft pick.
Smelley was asked to compare his meeting with Trestman to meeting Spurrier.
"They were both kind of similar in that they are both real smart with their offensive philosophies and both know what they are looking for," Smelley said. "Both are coaches that I think I could develop under."
Smelley will leave Friday for Columbia, S.C., and will make his official visit to South Carolina this weekend. He previously visited Ole Miss during the season.
"(When I go on an official visit) I am looking at the football program, the academic program, everything," Smelley said. "But the main thing I am looking for is the comfort level that I have with the coaches and players."
After early offers from LSU and Ole Miss, Smelley has seen his recruitment pick up since his senior season which saw him throw for an Alabama state record 59 touchdown passes ended.
Louisville, Oregon, Memphis and Tulane have offered along with the Tigers, Rebels and Gamecocks.
Smelley is the nation's No. 9 pro-style quarterback prospect.