Locked In:”GameCocks Snags 5-Star Linbacker Josh Smith, No.1 Overall top SEC big Offers.NC States, Ole Miss, Tennessee….
Irmo (S.C.) Over the weekend, Dutch Fork linebacker Josh Smith returned to Columbia for his official visit to South Carolina, and he made sure to see everything he needed to. The Gamecocks had an advantage over Ole Miss and NC State going into that visit, but it ended his recruiting. He was dedicated to Shane Beamer and the in-state program as he departed the visit.
Smith told On3 that the official visit confirmed everything for him with South Carolina. “Learning more about the program, from the school side to the weight program to the ball side, and seeing what all can do for me, showed me all I needed to see. Seeing everything really made me love South Carolina, and the more I learned, the more I liked, so that helped me make my decision,” Smith said.
The 6-foot-2, 230-pound defender’s recruitment felt like a top priority for South Carolina ever since he decommitted from Coastal Carolina a little more than a month ago. Smith trusts in Clayton White, who was his main recruiter.
Coach White is a remarkable individual. We get along well, he is very knowledgeable, and I enjoy the way the linebackers play in South Carolina’s defense. He appreciates my skills, I like his coaching style, and I see a fantastic chance to play for Coach White and get on the field early.
White is part of Beamer’s crew. The head coach in Columbia sees all equally and that culture under Beamer thrills Smith.
Love and family are the foundation of South Carolina. Those things are important to Coach Beamer. He discusses those topics and how he values assembling a team of men from this state. A family is what South Carolina is. Everyone is friendly. Coach Beamer and his staff are incredible, and I want to be a part of their family because of the way he loves the players and treats the coaches.
Smith had a lot to consider in relation to the Wolfpack and Rebels. Although he was interested in those schools, South Carolina met all of his requirements, starting with the location.
“One of the dreams of football players is to play for their local team and represent their state,” Smith stated. “My decision to remain at home has changed my life, and I am looking forward to the future. It is a wonderful sensation.
