Top 2012 WR picks up major offer

Akron (Ohio) Buchtel receiver Corey Smith received a major offer this week. The Tar Heels are the newest verbal offer, according to the 6-feet-0, 170 pound prospect. Michigan State, Akron, Miami-OH are already on board.

Smith worked out with Raw Talent this summer, a collection of northern Ohio's top prospects on a tour to check out several college programs, including North Carolina.

"The campus is really big, I like that," Smith said. "The film room was cool, we watched their highlights, their entrance for games and everything. Their coaches are really cool, so I like that. Butch Davis has a lot of experience."

Smith performed well at North Carolina's camp, and has been in contact with the staff ever since.

"I have talked to Coach [Charlie] Williams every couple of weeks or so," Smith said. "He told me to be patient. I was told today that they would be verbally offering. I like Coach Williams, he is really cool. I like his personality a lot."

Smith is the cousin of Ohio's top prospect, and the nation's number one cornerback, Doran Grant. Therefore, Smith is well trained against top competition.

"Doran and I have been working together since we were young," Smith said. "I like competition, the intensity, and it allows both of us to get better through competing."

Smith will likely be one of Ohio's top ranked prospects in the class of 2012. He took part in a talent-packed prospect camp at Ohio State earlier this sumer.

"Coach [Paul[ Haynes and Coach [Jim] Bollman say they are ready to offer, but they want to see what I can do in the classroom over the next semester. If I do well, they want to offer after that."

"The camp was a good experience. I wish I had competed against the older class of guys. It seems when I go up against the guys in my own class, there is not quite as much competition. I don't mean that in an arrogant way, older players just provide a tougher challenge."

Smith says he is also hearing from UCLA, Virginia Tech, Tennessee, Syracuse, Penn State, Illinois, and Cincinnati among others.

"I want to play for a national championship, contribute to that team, and be able to play as a freshman. I want to be able to come in early and play. I have no favorites at this time. It is too early to designate a top five. Everything changes when schools start showing interest. You go in with an idea of what your favorite schools might be, but when schools start showing genuine interest, you have to keep an open mind."