Smith is prospect to remember
Sam Smith is the next big-time player at Elk Grove (Calif.) Cosumnes Oaks and coach Ryan Gomes said his 6-foot-4, 265-pound defensive lineman should become known across the country.
"He's a national-type recruit," Goms said.
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"He's drawing interest from the Pac-12 because of location. SC called the other day and said, 'We're either going to play with him or we're going to play against him.'
"He's an obvious Pac-12 caliber player. Washington State called two days ago, Cal, they're all trying to get him in for the junior day stuff. If his transcript was cleaner he'd have 20 offers right now. He's working hard on getting that up to speed."
Smith, who will probably play defensive tackle in college, will attend Cal's junior day next weekend. He won't make it to USC this weekend but was invited along with some teammates.
As for upcoming camps, Gomes said Smith will probably attend the Stanford NIKE Camp and the team camp at Boise State that Cosumnes Oaks attends every year. Other camps might happen, too, but Smith should have enough attention by then not to wear him out on the circuit.
Offers from Washington State and UNLV are listed and Gomes said he wouldn't be surprised if many others come in once Smith's transcripts look a little better. With his talent, being a top-rated prospect isn't out of the question.
"He's 6-foot-4, 265 and he has heavy hands," Gomes said. "He strikes exceptionally well. He strikes guys and guys kind of explode off his hands. He plays with leverage even at 6-4. He's able to gain and maintain leverage on guys.
"He has a lot of natural, innate strength and ability. He runs well, he moves well and he's a natural three-technique."