Smith still plans to visit other schools
Three-star wide receiver Richard Smith and his Long Beach (Calif.) Poly teammates who are also committed to Arizona State are expected to take an unofficial visit this weekend when the Sun Devils host USC and then Smith is supposed to return to Tempe in October for an official visit.
That's a good sign that Smith is still seriously interested in Arizona State even though the 5-foot-8, 160-pound prospect looks to take other official visits and said he's still open to hearing from other programs.
Advertisement
"I'm with ASU still but I want to take my visits," Smith said. "I want to go around and see what else is out there but I'm still with ASU. I still feel ASU is the best place for me right now."
That has been Smith's mantra for months - pretty much ever since he committed to the Sun Devils in early April. Smith along with Poly teammates Josiah Blandin, Randall Goforth, Matthew Rowe and Salamo Fiso have all committed to Arizona State.
"We're committed but at the same time we want to go see how other schools are and what they have to offer," Smith said.
"You never know because other schools might be better but I feel ASU is still the place for me."
Still, Smith said he would like to visit Cal, Oregon State and UCLA and that the Bruins are coming after him the hardest. Oregon State is also making a serious push for his services. He has not set up any other official visits at this point.
Rivals.com rates Smith as the No. 59 wide receiver in the 2012 class and the No. 39 prospect in the California state rankings so he's a coveted player for many teams in the Pac-12.
He was especially good Friday night in a victory against Harbor City (Calif.) Narbonne when he finished with seven receptions for 88 yards including a 13-yard touchdown.
Playing in the slot, it's almost impossible to slow down Smith who uses his speed and size to outmaneuver slower linebackers.
"I feel a lot of confidence in the slot because most of the time it's the linebacker who's taking me and I don't feel like the linebacker can stick me," Smith said. "I keep working hard in practice to get where I am now."