Rocky Top plays host to Texas LB

Tennessee fans had erased Arlington (Texas) Lamar linebacker Garnet Smith off of their lists long ago. But Volunteer fans it is time to get the pencils out again.

That’s because the other UT – University of Texas – commitment is heading to Knoxville this weekend for an official visit.

"I've got my tickets, and I'm heading out first thing in the morning," Smith, who hasn't mentioned the Vols now in about a month or so, said.

"I've always liked Tennessee, but I had shifted my focus elsewhere. Now, I get to go see what it's like there. I hear it's incredible. The coaches there said they have the best fans in the nation."

Smith said he remains a Texas commitment, but he said he owes it to himself to take his visits and that he’s still trying to find the perfect fit between a school that he likes and one that is going to be a national title contender every year.

"I have to be honest," Smith, who is 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, said.

"I am committed, but I'm looking around. Texas has great people and it's a great school. But this is the year for national championships there, and they should be playing for it. They're not. I've got to look around what's best for me. Texas is a great school, and I love coach Brown. But I can't cheat myself. There might just be something better for me out there.""

Smith is also looking at several other teams. He's set to make an official visit this weekend to Tennessee - a team that he's not mentioned in about a month - and has a trip to Alabama set for Jan. 30. Florida, Texas and Oklahoma are also expected to get visits.