On300 Michigan QB commit Carter Smith on offseason work, staying solid, upcoming visit
This offseason has been a unique one for Michigan quarterback commit Carter Smith.
Once a high-level baseball prospect, Smith, whose father Dan, played in the minors, has completely given up spring on the diamond to focus on perfecting his skillset as a quarterback.
The On300 recruit from Fort Myers (Fla.) Bishop Verot is a true dual-threat signal-caller and the reigning Gatorade Player of the Year for the state of Florida. Smith is known as a gamer, but he’s still a bit of a work in progress as a pure passer.
Smith always grew up splitting time between football and baseball and never went to a private quarterback coach. Over the last few months, Smith has dedicated himself to improving areas of weakness by consistently throwing as well as making a few drives per month from Fort Myers to Jacksonville to see quarterback guru Will Hewlett, who works closely with NFL star Brock Purdy.
“It’s been a little bit different,” Smith said. “I’m used to picking up the bat and going right into it. It was kind of weird not to. But I’ve settled down and have gotten into a routine. I’ve put on some weight and have gotten a little bit stronger. From a quarterback standpoint, I’m spending a lot of time in the film room and learning how to read coverages. My footwork is what holds me back, so I’m trying to get close to perfecting it.”
Smith impressed at this weekend’s Elite 11 Orlando regional event and is continuing to show why Michigan made him an early priority — accepting his commitment in the fall even when five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood was still on the open market.
Smith has rewarded Michigan by staying locked in with his verbal pledge.
“I haven’t felt such a home vibe from anybody else,” Smith said. “The first time I was on campus, I was like ‘this is where I want to be.’ Michigan is such a family. It’s like I’m sitting in my living room talking to family every time I’m up there. I don’t know how to describe it, but it just felt right.”
Smith will be back at Michigan this week. He will arrive in Ann Arbor tomorrow and stay through Sunday, which means he will get an extensive look at his future home.
“I’m really excited to get around the new staff,” Smith said. “I feel like it’s going to be really fun to meet everyone and start building relationships with all of the coaches. My sister wants to see a softball game, so that’s for sure going to happen. We’ll look at Ann Arbor a little bit more. The first couple of visits I didn’t really get to spend a lot of time there.”
This visit will also give Smith an opportunity to see practice for the first time and get a closer look at the Michigan offense under Kirk Campbell, who was elevated to offensive coordinator this offseason.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how Coach Campbell works with the quarterbacks and seeing what they do with their daily routine at that position,” Smith said. “I don’t really have expectations for the offense. I’m just ready to see what he does with it. He talked to me about opening it up, but I just want to see what he’s actually doing. I’m sure I’ll be in a couple of quarterback meetings, so getting to spend some time with them and seeing how they all operate will be good for me to be a part of.”
Campbell served as Smith’s primary recruiter, and the two have continued to strengthen their relationship.
“He’s always been very genuine,” Smith said. “He always asks how I’m doing and how the family is doing. He asks about school, daily life and stuff like that. We just chop it up. We always have great conversations. I love talking to him.”
As the face of the class, Smith has been hard at work helping the Wolverines recruit behind the scenes.
“I’m trying to get Elijah (Melendez) to flip,” Smith said. “I’ve talked to him a lot. I’m trying to start a pipeline of Florida guys going up north. We really want Avery (Gach). Andrew Babalola would be a big one. We have to get the guys in the trenches.”
Smith is part of a three-man Michigan recruiting class that is currently ranked in the 20s nationally. There has been plenty of frustration with a lack of momentum on the trail as the Wolverines are on a three-month commitment drought.
However, Smith has a message for Michigan fans.
“Be patient,” Smith said. “There are going to be a lot of guys around campus. A lot of big names. Even if they aren’t big names, it doesn’t matter. We develop kids. Just have some patience and let it ride out.”
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