Georgia commitment draws interest from other top programs

Nolan Smith put an early shutdown on his recruitment by committing to Georgia in January, but other programs are making their presence known for the highly touted prospect.

Smith, a defensive end, was known to be the leader of the Bulldogs’ 2019 class as his commitment created a trickle-down effect, with top prospects Jadon Haselwood and Rashad Cheney committing shortly thereafter. Now, other programs have crept into the discussion.

“I’m still committed to Georgia and all of that,” Smith said. “It’s a real hard commit, but I’m still keeping my options open to other schools. It’s not many schools, and it’s just a little bit of interest.”

Smith received a wave of offers after the conclusion of spring practice at powerhouse IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. Ohio State extended a scholarship offer May 9, then Auburn and Clemson came calling a week later in search of the rising senior’s services.

Smith has reiterated that he is standing true to his Georgia commitment as head coach Kirby Smart has called upon him to “carry the flag” for the 2019 class. But Clemson, Alabama and Ohio State have emerged as top rivals.

After two straight national championship appearances, including winning last season’s title, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney has continued the program’s recent recruiting success. Clemson currently holds the 11th-best recruiting class for 2018, according to 247Sports.com. The Tigers also recently underwent a facilities renovation, which helps their cause.

“I’m thankful that I can receive a Clemson offer, because there aren’t too many people in our class that can receive one,” Smith said. “You can really count on two hands the number of people that have one for 2019. It’s the people and the culture around Clemson, and it’s really a good place. The people are really, really caring up there, more so as a student than an athlete.”

Alabama has become a contender for nearly every top recruit under head coach Nick Saban, and the Crimson Tide entered the race for Smith on Jan. 27 — two days before Smith committed to Georgia. Alabama features outside linebackers coach Tosh Lupoi on the recruiting trail, and he continues to work on Smith.

Smith seems to prioritize the values of the coaching staff over success, and that has become a theme when Smith discusses his final contenders. But Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer has lured top Southeast prospects Emory Jones and Brenton Cox from the Bulldogs.

“Ohio State is a real cool place with a good culture,” Smith said. “Once again, the people there are good. I just really want to take a visit up there soon.”

Georgia offered Smith on April 16, 2016, and has kept consistent communication with the Savannah native since. Those relationships built by Smith have led him to stick to a long-standing pledge.

“Georgia football has believed in me from the start,” Smith said. “That’s why I believe in them, and I trust in the process and growth of our program. I just love Georgia, with the coaches, all of the people and everything up there.”

Smith ranks as the fifth-overall prospect nationally, according to the 247Sports.com rankings. As Georgia’s top-rated pledge for 2019, a fellow Bulldogs commitment looks forward to Smith’s word staying true.

“Man, that dude is a freak,” said Cheney, who has been committed to Georgia since Feb. 18. “He has great quickness and speed for his size. I mean, he’s also a leader both on-and-off the field.”

This story was originally published June 2, 2017 at 4:25 PM with the headline "Georgia commitment draws interest from other top programs."