Plans and favorites are, more of less, fluid in the recruiting world, as the last four months for ESPN 300 inside linebacker Cameron Smith exemplified.
The four-star prospect landed a scholarship offer from USC at the school’s Elite Junior Day event in early February and immediately named the Trojans his leader, only to back off that claim a few weeks later when other programs began to enter the picture. He wanted to take visits, he said at the time, and wanted to do ample research to find the right fit.
Smith, though, changed his stance once again Wednesday, committing to USC and ending his recruitment altogether.
“I’m blessed to say I am committing to the University of Southern California,” Smith said in a statement posted on his Twitter account. “I’m thankful for all the relationships that have been built and appreciative for the coaches that have recruited me.”
Smith, rated No. 10 among inside linebackers and No. 288 overall in the ESPN 300 rankings, visited campus a handful of times the last few months while on trips to compete in the Southern California passing league circuit. He developed a strong relationship with position coach Peter Sirmon and said he always dreamed of following in the footsteps of former Trojans linebacker Dallas Sartz, one of his coaches at Granite Bay (Calif.) High School.
“Thanks to all the fans that have showed me love,” Smith said in the same statement. “You guys are the best in the game [and I] can’t wait to play in front of you guys on Saturday[s]. It’s been a fun process and I’m glad that I can focus the rest of my senior year on winning a championship with teammates.”
With the commitment, the Trojans added their fourth ESPN 300 member and eighth pledge overall. USC has been on a hot streak recently, with offensive tackles Chuma Edoga and Roy Hemsley and defensive linemen Jacob Daniel and Noah Jefferson all joining the class over the last four weeks.
“USC is back,” Smith said. “And I’m looking forward to being a part of their quest for a national championship. FIGHT ON.”