Smith Pledges Hokies
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On June 2, Don Bosco Prep (NJ) offensive lineman Tyrell Smith took part in Virginia Tech's first prospect camp of the summer.
He left the camp without an offer in hand. But a week later, after the Hokies staff had seen his film as well, the offer came. After deliberating, Smith decided to take advantage of that offer, pledging to Virginia Tech.
"I love the coaches, I love the campus, I love it from an academic standpoint," Smith said. "I knew if football wouldn't work out for me, my degree from Virginia Tech will be huge. It'll help me get my career going once I get older."
Smith also had offers from Florida Atlantic and UMASS, but had been in contact with assistant coach Jeff Grimes for a few months. And Grimes was a big part of Smith's decision.
"I love Coach Grimes," Smith said. "He's a great guy and he's been straight-up with me from day one. He just told me that he loved the kind of player I am and he said I'd be a great fit."
At 6'3" and 259 pounds, Smith said Grimes told him he'll slide into a guard position for the Hokies. He played left tackle last season, but in the past year, added 30 pounds to his frame.
Earlier today, Smith said he reached out to a few current Hokies commits. He had connections already, but today's conversations were the final push he needed to make his decision.
"I have two friends who go there that wrestle at Virginia Tech," Smith said. "They completely love it down there. Every time I talk to C.J. Reavis or Andrew Ford, it just sounds better and better. I just wanna get down there ASAP."