Smith set to visit Noles

Atlanta (Ga.) St Pius X School defensive back Geno Smith currently has Alabama as his leader with Tennessee second. But Florida State, which occupies the No. 3 spot, has a chance to get even more into the mix if Smith's weekend visit to Tallahassee, Fla., goes well.

"It definitely could help [FSU]," Smith told Rivals.com.

The trip to FSU, which most likely will occur on Saturday, will be his first to Tallahassee.

"That's one of my priorities - to visit them," Smith said. "I just want to get down there and see it. I've had a chance to talk to Coach [Dameyune] Craig, Coach [Jimbo] Fisher and Coach [Mark] Stoops. At Miami, Coach Stoops coached great defensive backs. They're trying to build a championship team. Every year, they finish in the top-five recruiting classes. Something special is brewing."

Craig is Smith's primary recruiter.

"He's the quarterbacks coach," Smith said. "I like him a lot. He's a really down-to-earth type of person and is easy to talk to."

As much as Smith, a U.S. Army All-American, likes FSU, he hinted that overtaking Alabama may not be easy to do.

"I like the coaching staff [at Alabama]," Smith said. "I've built good relationships with the people recruiting me - Coach [Burton] Burns and Coach [Chris] Rumph. I think I have a great opportunity there. It's the right situation. I like their scheme and Coach [Nick] Saban's philosophy as far as defense -- and off the field, building you as a person."

Thus far, Smith said he has been to Alabama "four or five" times.

Another visit to the football offices will likely happen next weekend, when Smith is expected to attend a 7-on-7 event in Tuscaloosa.

While Alabama, Tennessee and FSU are at the top, a fourth program has emerged as one to watch in the chase for Smith.

"I definitely want to go see Notre Dame," Smith said. "I'm taking that trip in the summertime."