Virginia linebacker Brandon Smith talks recruiting and Clemson
2019 linebacker prospect, Brandon Smith currently holds an offer from his hometown Virginia Cavaliers and is hearing from a few other teams in the ACC including Clemson.
Brandon Smith hails from Louisa County High School in Mineral, Virginia, which is about 45 minutes from Charlottesville. The rising junior recently visited the Clemson Tigers on March 4th. Here’s what he had to say about his time.
“My recent visit at Clemson was great. I got a chance to see the campus and learn more about the school. The new facilities were very impressive as well.”
Clemson has recruited well in Virginia under Dabo Swinney, signing the likes of Clelin Ferrell, K’Von Wallace and Chad Smith in recent years. The Tigers do not scour the state of Virginia, rather, they cherry pick some of the best that the hotbed has to offer.
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From the sounds of things, Clemson is putting a good amount of effort into Smith’s recruitment, he has been hearing from multiple coaches on the Tigers staff, “I talk to Coach Streeter and Coach Venables on a regular basis(at least once a week).”
With the spring evaluation period about to begin, Smith is being actively recruited by a handful of schools up and down the East coast, “I have visited UVA, Virginia Tech, and Maryland. The visits went well at all three schools.”
Smith’s visit to Virginia went exceptionally well, “UVA offered me on the visit I took there.” The 6’5, 210 pound sophomore stated that the Clemson Tigers and Virginia Cavaliers are the two programs that have stood out so far in his recruitment.
The recruiting process is only going to heat up for Smith from here, he is in for an eventful spring, “I have been invited to Penn State’s Junior Day this weekend, Virginia Tech’s Junior Day on April 1st and I have a visit to Maryland on April 13th.”
I expect Smith to continue to rack up offers throughout the remainder of the offseason. As soon as you put on the tape his athleticism jumps out to you. Despite being only a sophomore, Smith has exceptional length and instincts. With two years left of development he will continue to gain muscle mass.
When asked what position he expects to play in college Smith stated, “My area of training has been at the linebacker positions, but I see myself playing multiple positions on the next level. ” I agree with Smith, as he has the requisite athleticism to play linebacker and he could be a stand up defensive end in passing situations.
Brandon Smith has a ways to go in his recruitment, however, he is off to a great start. As the spring progresses he will likely gain more scholarship offers and interest from programs across the country.
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