recent LSU article
Matt Canada wasted little no getting in contact with Louisiana’s No. 1 prospect, and apparently, it’s paying dividends.
DeVonta Smith, the 4-star wide receiver from Amite (La.) High, spent part of Thursday on the phone with LSU’ new offensive coordinator.
All indications are that those conversations went extremely well. Smith is now in the process of scheduling his final official visit with LSU, a source told SEC Country.
Last Saturday, Smith lived up to his reputation as an All-World talent. The 6-foot-1, 160-pound U.S. Army Bowl All-American hauled in 8 passes for 111 yards and also nabbed an interception in the championship game. Smith found the end zone on a 93-yard kickoff return and was fittingly named his team’s Most Outstanding Player.
Afterward, Smith revealed to SEC Country that he had only two official visited lined up — at the time. Those were to Alabama and Miami, who along with LSU have again separated themselves as finalists for the elite wide receiver.
LSU has been added to the mix after his conversation with Canada on Thursday, which left Smith both impressive with the Tigers’ new play-caller and eager to learn more about his offense.
“He had a very good conversation with him and DeVonta wants to him,” the source told SEC Country. “It’s been all good signs for LSU.”
The source also reiterated that both Alabama and Miami remain in play for the 4-star wide receiver. Smith is also paying close attention on Alabama’s offensive coordinator hire now that Lane Kiffin has been named the head coach at Florida Atlantic.
It’s likely going to come down to ‘Bama, which has long been tabbed as the frontrunner for the Amite standout, and Miami, whose coached by Mark Richt, the former head coach at Georgia, where Smith was formerly committed to.
In laying out the parameters of his recruitment, Smith told SEC Country last week in the Mercedes-Benz Super Dome that the most important factor is early playing time. With Travin Dural set to head to the NFL and juniors Malachi Dupre and D.J. contemplating following the same path, LSU certainly fits that bill.
“I can come in and play and have a big-time role as a true freshman,” Smith said. “Really, I feel I can go in anywhere and play as a true freshman, and LSU is a great place to be. But only God knows …”
Canada imparted a similar message to Smith.
“He’s simply priority No. 1 at the wide receiver position for 2017,” the source said to SEC Country.
That has long been the message LSU has been sending to Smith through wide receivers coach Dameyune Craig and first-year coach Ed Orgeron.
It is certainly going to be a wild couple of weeks for Smith, who is slated to announce his decision on National Signing Day.