Thursday, January 10, 2013
SEC schools inquiring about Devin Smith
By Dave Hooker
Devin Smith doesn't get to throw the ball much. Still, SEC interest in the junior quarterback continues to grow.
The signal-caller from Knoxville (Tenn.) Grace has received recent inquiries from Missouri, Akron, Alabama, South Carolina and Tulsa. He's already been in contact with Mississippi State, Duke, Tennessee and Vanderbilt and has visited all four of those schools.
Not bad for a quarterback that mostly runs the Wing-T and rarely throws. Smith's statistics might not be mind-blowing, but they're efficient. He completed 100 of 153 passes for 1,853 yards and 17 touchdowns with just four interceptions.
That production has some at Grace Academy considering revamping the offense to a full-time spread attack in order to capitalize on Smith's ability. For now, however, the option is the go-to call.
"It has limited my ability to show the second phase of my game which is the pass," Smith said. "I would like to move to the spread, but it is what it is and I have to make the best out of it."
Smith plans to visit Missouri and Akron soon. A trip to Arkansas might also be in the cards. Smith has a good relationship with the Razorbacks' offensive coordinator, Jim Chaney, who coached at nearby Tennessee from 2009 to 2012.
"I think he's a great guy and he knows what he's talks about," Smith said of Chaney. "He's very knowledgable."
Smith is also close with Duke head coach David Cutcliffe. The two have spoken several times. Smith has been impressed.
"He's probably one of the better quarterback coaches around," Smith said.
Smith is close to releasing his highlight video from the 2012 season. He'll certainly include passing plays.
