R250 Vandy commit plans visits

Prior to his strong showing at the U.S. Army All-American Game, Rivals250 linebacker Josh Smith was already receiving new interest from programs all over the country. But after excelling against some of the nation's top talents, things are picking up even more for the long time Vanderbilt commitment.

Schools like Oklahoma, California and Georgia all offered in December, and Smith is also getting renewed interest from Florida, Florida State, Michigan and Oregon.

"I'm open to take visits," the 6-foot-4, 225-pound linebacker said. "The visits I have scheduled now are subject to change and I'm looking at all the new schools that are coming in and showing me interest."

So what exactly might change Smith's mind? He said it's all about opportunity and genuine interest.

"I'm looking for a coach to be straightforward and transparent with me and make me feel like they want me there and that I'm not just a backup choice after all their options filled," he said. "We will see what happens over the next couple of weeks. I have a mid-week visit too that is subject to change. Things could stay the same, things could change it's just a matter of what happens over the next couple of weeks when I hear from schools and talk to the coaches."

Smith is scheduled to visit Oklahoma, California, Ole Miss and Vanderbilt later this month, but said that only the Sooners are the Commodores are assured of trips at this point.

"Oklahoma is locked in for Jan. 16 so I'm going to take that visit no matter what," He said. "I want to see the academics, the athletics, get a feel for how the coaching staff conducts themselves and whether or not I can see myself playing for them. I want to see the city, too, and see if I can really see myself representing Oklahoma."

Norman, Okla. is a little farther than home than the schools Smith was originally considering, but he said distance won't be an issue when it comes to making a final decision.

"The distance factor isn't that big of a deal," he said. "It just depends, its only four years, if it's the place that fits for me and if I feel like I fit in there, whether it's Oklahoma or any other school that is far I'm willing to go there."

Vanderbilt, the school Smith has been committed to since the summer, is right in his backyard. He said that the Commodores will get his last visit and the chance to show that the program in headed in the right direction.

"I'm taking my official on Jan. 31," he said. "Really what I'm looking for is to sit down with the coaching staff and the coaches and meet the new hires and stuff. After all the changes I want to see how I fit with everyone they have brought in.

One of the biggest threats to steal a visit from Smith is Georgia. The Bulldogs have come on strong over the last month and Smith likes what he has been hearing from the SEC school.

"They really want me as an inside linebacker and they think I can be a key piece for their defense and they want me to visit," Smith said. We had talked a little here and there but now they are really showing more interest. Coach Pruitt is a great guy. He seems like a great coach, very knowledgeable and I think he can teach a kid like me a lot of things on and off the field."

As far as programs like FSU and Florida, Smith said an offer could change his line of thinking.

"If a school offers and it's an elite powerhouse football school with good academics then I'm going to take a look," I haven't received an offer from either one of those schools yet but if I do I would definitely consider those schools."

Smith's success at Army has only fueled his desire to make sure he looks at all options before announcing a final decision.

"I felt like I'm one of the best and I can compete against the best and stand out against the best," he said. "I got to compete against high competition and play with some of the guys from schools that are now trying to come and get me. It was great to spend time with those guys and play with them."

Smith finished his senior season with 128 total tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and one interception.