Ahead of summer visits, four-star OL Cortez Smith opens up on Georgia

As a four-star prospect, Cortez Smith is one of the most sought after offensive linemen in the Peach State for the 2025 cycle. The Parkview standout is now gearing up to begin a key summer stretch of official visits that will culminate with in a decision for his home at the next level.

“Things are going good,” Smith said. “I’m getting ready for these OVs. I’ll be starting with the University of South Carolina, then Miami. Then, it’ll be Georgia Tech, and I’ll finish with UGA. FSU is still calling a lot, too. I’ll be committing in July.”

The Gamecocks play host on May 31, Miami on June 7, the Yellow Jackets on June 14, and the Bulldogs wrap it all up on June 21.

For Smith, the choice of those schools for his trips boiled down to a simple truth.

“They’ve always shown the most interest,” he said.

If you were to consult the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, however, there’s a consensus among the industry as to where Smith’s interest lie. Georgia currently holds a 94.5-percent chance of securing his commitment per the algorithm, with expert picks already in place from the likes of Jeremy Johnson and Chad Simmons.

And Smith isn’t shy when discussing the home state team.

“To me, that’s O-Line University. There are a lot of big shoes to fill, but I definitely like setting the bar at whatever school I’m at,” he said of the Bulldogs.

A major part of his interest in Georgia? The coaching staff at large, starting with his potential positional coach, has caught his eye.

“Coach [Stacy] Searels has always been a stand up coach, as well as a person since day one,” Smith said.

The head coach isn’t hurting the case either.

“Coach [Kirby] Smart has a big part of the communication for UGA,” Smith said. “He plays a big factor, and intensity comes to mind when I think about him.”

Ultimately, though, the Bulldogs will have to stack up in two key areas, as will any other school on the list.

“I’m looking for honesty and consistency like always,” Smith said.

Smith admits that the Dawgs are sitting well moving into the summer, though.

“UGA is high on my board,” he said.

Cortez Smith ranks as the nation’s No. 141 overall prospect in the Class of 2025 and is the No. 10 interior offensive lineman prospect per the On3 Industry Ranking.

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