Smith could break out soon
John Smith could be one of the hottest commodities in Southern California next recruiting cycle, a 6-foot-1, 185-pound prospect who excels at wide receiver and defensive back.
Smith helped lead Long Beach (Calif.) Poly to the state bowl championship game a few weeks back and looked especially good on offense, but he said all his offers so far are for defense.
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UCLA, Washington, Washington State, Fresno State and San Jose State have offered the 2014 standout, and he said Oregon and Missouri have started to show interest.
It's particularly interesting that the teams that have offered are looking at defense, especially since Smith is such a threat on the outside as a wide receiver.
"It was really good to be on both sides of the ball, especially at Long Beach Poly since we have such good tradition and history," Smith said. "Going both ways was a big part of it, and I played on special teams, too.
"All my offers are coming from defense. I don't have one wide receiver offer. I think what changed it was through the year it seems like we're winning on defense. At the same time, my size and athleticism on defense is probably more apparent, too."
Smith helped lead Long Beach Poly through a difficult stretch early in the season when the team lost three of its first four games but then won 11 straight before dropping the title game to Granite Bay.
Since it's still so early for Smith, he doesn't want to name any frontrunners. One reason could be that there might be many more offers on the way.
"I have no favorites right now," Smith said. "I really don't. It's like whatever I get, I get, and I'm really appreciative for it."