The Multi-talented Mr. Smith

MORE: Spartans host DT Bellamy

Meridian (Miss.) athlete J'Mar Smith saw his recruitment begin at an early age - he picked up his first scholarship offer from Mississippi State as a freshman and has since seen interest come from Auburn, Stanford, Georgia, and Alabama.

This summer, he spent the majority of his time playing baseball, but he was able to attend camp at Alabama and enjoyed his time in Tuscaloosa.

"Coach (Doug) Nussmeier, he's just a good coach," Smith said. "He's going to make sure you work and do everything and make sure you be the best player. All the coaches do that. If they see one player down they're going to make sure everyone is up tempo and make sure everyone is having fun at the camp basically."

As a sophomore, Smith was a standout at quarterback for Meridian, and has drawn interest from colleges at both quarterback and linebacker. He enjoys playing quarterback, but position is not a preference for Smith right now.

"I think I have some schools who want me at quarterback and some that want me as an all-around athlete," Smith said. "It doesn't matter wherever I play. I just want to play."

Baseball could also factor into his decision. It is not a sure thing, but he has already seen interest come from the community college ranks for his abilities in the outfield and behind homeplate. He is not dead set on playing both sports, but he admits it would be an intriguing option.

"If I can play both that would be good, but I have to see what they give me," Smith said.

At this point in the process he is not in a hurry to name leaders and narrow his list of possibilities. However, he does have a few unofficial visit possibilities at the moment.

"I might go to a couple of games at Mississippi State and Bama and if I can, I will try to just go whenever they ask me to come," Smith said.

For now, he is focused on the 2013 season. As usual there are high expectations and the Meridian quarterback has some big goals.

"I'm just working on my accuracy and footwork," Smith said. "I want to be a leader for the team and do better than I did last year."

Click Here to view this Link.

[rl]