‘Why not choose FSU?’ … ‘Noles become contender for elite DE Jared Smith

There has already been a lot of competition in the recruitment of four-star defensive end target Jared Smith.

The Alabama product has had official visits set for South Carolina, Tennessee, Ole Miss and Georgia, and he has indicated there could be more in the future. Of that group, South Carolina seemed to be setting the pace.

Now, we can add another team to that top group of schools — the Florida State Seminoles.

While he hasn’t visited Florida State since last fall for the Miami game, Smith has scheduled an official visit to FSU for June 18 and says he is very interested in the Seminoles.

“The last time I visited FSU was the Miami game, and it was rocking,” the 6-foot-6 pass-rusher said. “It was rocking, and all the fans come out. So seeing all that was a lot.”

While the game-day environment grabbed his attention, Smith said it’s the relationship he has been developing with head coach Mike Norvell and defensive ends coach John Papuchis that led him to taking another trip to Florida State.

“The people and the people in the building attract me to want to take an official visit there,” Smith said. “The people around FSU — people like Coach Norvell, Coach JP — all great people. They keep it real with you no matter if it’s good or bad.”

Smith is rated the No. 4 defensive end in the country, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. He is the No. 2 player in Alabama and the No. 37 prospect overall.

As a player who certainly hopes to play in the NFL one day, Smith said he loves seeing the way Florida State has helped players like Jared Verse and Jermaine Johnson become top draft picks.

“Seeing them put Jared Verse in the first round and seeing that and other guys and what Coach JP is doing … why not choose FSU?” Smith said.

While he has a busy summer ahead with numerous official visits, Smith he is definitely looking forward to that June 18 trip to Florida State.

“Really just seeing the schemes and the plans that Coach JP has for me and how I would play,” Smith said. “It is something I’m looking forward to seeing, and being around the players more on this visit. I want to see how I feel about FSU in this type of visit.”

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