The nationwide recruitment of 4-star linebacker Roquan Smith has come into focus this week as he plans his final stretch toward national signing day.
Smith shared a list of three finalists—Michigan, Georgia and UCLA—Tuesday with Steve Lorenz of 247Sports. Just a day later, ESPN analyst Gerry Hamilton broke news of his remaining official visit plans:
The latest development would appear to thrust Texas A&M into the mix, presenting Smith with four viable options and limited time to make a choice. There will be less than 50 hours remaining until signing day by the time he returns from his visit to UCLA.
Smith, a senior standout at Macon County High School in Georgia, carries more than two dozen offers. He collected scholarships from Ole Miss and UCLA as a sophomore, setting the stage for a whirlwind recruiting process.
The Under Armour All-American is rated fifth nationally among outside linebackers in 247Sports' composite rankings and is considered the 47th-best overall prospect in this 2015 class.
Smith tallied 79 tackles, five sacks and two interceptions in just six games as a senior, per Ethan Levine of SaturdayDownSouth.com. His effort included a virtuoso performance—24 tackles, 263 rushing yards and three touchdowns—in a regional title-clinching victory, according to Michael Carvell of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
His accomplishments, skill set and 6'2", 205-pound frame indicate Smith provides potential as a multiyear collegiate starter who could challenge for a role on the two-deep as a true freshman.
With four teams reportedly vying for his commitment, let's take a look at how each factor into the decision.
Georgia
The in-state Bulldogs extended an offer immediately after Smith's junior season and welcomed him to campus for the 2014 season opener against Clemson. He returned to Athens in December for an official visit.
There are vast temptations to leave home, but like many Georgia products, Smith developed a fondness for the program during his youth.
"That has always been his dream school," Macon County coach Larry Harold told Carvell. "Guys on the defensive staff—Roquan is excited about them as well as the other UGA commits that he played with at the RisingSeniors junior all-star game. Guys like Terry Godwin, Trent Thompson and D'Andre Walker."
Those three commits are key components of a Bulldogs class that currently rates sixth nationally in 247Sports' composite rankings.
Mark Richt and company have stockpiled talent along the defensive front, headlined by Thompson (No. 1 overall national prospect). That group should free things up for linebackers to roam freely in the future.
Michigan
Michigan has made a major push for Smith since the arrival of Jim Harbaugh. His hiring of former Florida defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin is expected to pay dividends on the Southeast recruiting trail.
Durkin formerly pursued Smith on behalf of the Gators and continues that hunt with the Wolverines.
"Roquan and Coach Durkin have a really good relationship from when he was at Florida," Harold told Carvell.
Smith spent this past weekend at Michigan, where Harbaugh is looking to sell 2015 recruits on a new vision and the possibility of early playing time. The Wolverines hold just six commitments in the wake of a disastrous 2014 campaign, but the program has started a new chapter that's clearly appealing to Smith.
Texas A&M
You can chalk this one up to the presence of new defensive coordinator John Chavis, who previously sought to bring Smith down to LSU. That recruitment progressed to the point where he was scheduled to spend an official visit in Baton Rouge.
Instead, he's headed to College Station this weekend.
"Coach Chavis was all over Roquan when he was at LSU," Harold told Carvell. "Coach Chavis has contacted him since the move, and we had an extensive talk last weekend."
Texas A&M whiffed on coveted in-state linebacker targets Malik Jefferson and DeAndre McNeal last month when the duo committed to Texas. Daylon Mack, a 5-star defensive tackle, decommitted from the Aggies shortly after.
Issues must be addressed on that side of the ball if head coach Kevin Sumlin hopes to elevate the Aggies in the SEC standings. The addition of Chavis was a serious step in the right direction, and he's already proved valuable by securing a visit from Smith.
UCLA
The Bruins beat everyone else to the party by offering Smith a scholarship in April 2013. Fittingly, UCLA will also cap things off as the last team to host him before signing day.
Jim Mora reached into the Southeast last year, securing a signature from 4-star New Orleans linebacker Kenny Young. He aims to duplicate that success with Smith, who would bolster a Bruins defensive haul highlighted by 5-star defensive end Keisean Lucier-South.
Despite a disadvantage in proximity, the program has maintained Smith's interest. A longstanding relationship with the defender sets the stage for UCLA to steal him away from the East Coast.
"They've been on him since day one, and they've always been a serious contender," Harold told Carvell.
The Leader
Visits to Texas A&M and UCLA loom large, particularly as Smith develops a better understanding for Chavis' defensive outlook in College Station. Both teams will need to impress because, at this point, we give a slight advantage to Georgia and Michigan.
Harbaugh is selling the program hard and carries immense clout among college recruits following his success in San Francisco. He's made inroads with Smith by using Durkin as a facilitator, luring him to campus last weekend.
While we respect the Wolverines' late surge, this remains Georgia's race to lose. The Bulldogs must withstand sales pitches from three strong alternatives, but the opportunity to join his home state's top 2015 talent in Athens gives Richt an edge.
Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports.