Proximity not a priority for Schmidt

Four-star Sioux Falls (S.D.) Roosevelt offensive tackle Grant Schmidt holds offers from programs on both coasts, but the Midwest native is not putting much stock into location as he evaluates schools.

"I'd say proximity is actually lowest on the list of everything," Schmidt said. "I am looking for somewhere that has a good football program, good academics and a coaching staff I get along with well. I look way more into that than anything like proximity."

One of the schools that has struck an early chord with Schmidt, though, is actually one of the schools located closest to his South Dakota home.

"Minnesota is a great school," Schmidt said. "Me and their o-line coach get along real well. I really like it up at Minnesota. It's really too early in the process, but I'd say that is one of my leading schools."

The eight schools that have offered Schmidt are Cincinnati, Iowa State, Minnesota, North Carolina, South Dakota State, Utah, Washington State and Wyoming. He is focused on track this spring, but could see a couple of those schools in the coming weeks.

"The goal is to get out to Minnesota again," Schmidt said. "I haven't decided when, but hopefully it is for a spring practice where I can watch some coaching and check out more of the academics."

One of Schmidt's most recent visits happened just a few weeks ago when he attended a junior day at Iowa State.

"I just went out there when they offered me," Schmidt said. "It was nice out there and the weight room was one of the best I've seen. The strength and conditioning coach was really cool. I really enjoyed the o-line coach too."

If visits to schools further from home take place, they will likely happen in the summer because Schmidt does not want to drag his process out too long.

"The goal is to get it wrapped up before my full season, but a lot of things can change and a lot of things can happen," he said. "Maybe the official visits thing will happen, maybe it won't, but most likely it will get wrapped up before my senior season because I want to focus on the school I'm playing for right now."

The 6-foot-6, 285-pound Schmidt is ranked as the No. 202 prospect in the country and the No. 22 offensive tackle nationally.