Chirico’s Chat With ’16 Wide Receiver Steven Smothers

EP-131209675Steven Smothers, the nations 27th wide receiver coming out of his class (per 247Sports), is still a legitimate target for the Buckeyes, even though the 247Sports Crystal Ball has a 92% chance of Smothers going to WVU, the school that was first to offer him back in April of 2013. The 5’10, 150 lbs speedster from Reisterstown, Maryland has kept loyal to the first school to show interest in him, but is still keeping his options open.

Smothers currently holds 26 offers, coming from top programs all over the country such as West Virginia, Alabama, Ohio State, Tennessee, Michigan State, Florida State, and more. Back in June of 2014, Smothers had his top five, in order, as, Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Ohio State, and N.C. State. He know holds WVU to one  his favorites, having visited there multiple times throughout his recruiting process. “Now, I do not have an official list, but I do have a top three. West Virginia, Rutgers, and Tennessee, but I still have schools to visit.” Smothers explained.

Recruiting has really kicked up these past couple months for Smothers. This month, there have been offers from Michigan State, and Miami, as well as visits to Rutgers, and Penn State.”The process has been really fun. Personally, I do not see how people don’t like it, or want to rush it. Through the process, you really need to learn who is real and who is fake.” Smothers said.

Currently, the Buckeyes have one wide receiver commit coming out of the 2016 class in Kierre Hawkins. But, this is not surprising, being that it is still relatively early in the process for this class. The Buckeyes are after top receivers such as Austin Mack, and Justin Layne, both having Ohio State pretty close on their radar.

Smothers made a visit out to Ohio State back in March, accompanied by his coach, Anthony Burgos, and teammate, current Georgia commit, Patrick Allen. “We went for the game-like scrimmage during their spring practice. I had never seen anything, football wise, happen that fast. Each period was five minutes and they went by so fast. I was amazed. It was really cool to see their high-tempo offense go to work.” Smothers said. “I was walking around, and Coach Meyer called my name, and I was so shocked (laughs), he told me I remind him a lot like Percy Harvin. I was also able to be around Dontre Wilson, and Devin Smith, which was awesome.”

“I see myself fitting in that Ohio State offense well. I am built for that high tempo offense. High tempo you get a lot quick throws and can take shots down field, which is made for athletes like myself.”

Smothers wants to work on his speed, so he is currently running track. He also wants to work his blocking and routes. “Right now, I can just run a route and beat a guy. For me, it is about improving blocking and getting faster.”

To end the conversation, Smothers wanted to make it clear Tavon Austin and himself have a good relationship. He said he is his god brother, which is important to realize because, Austin did attend West Virginia, and currently plays for the St. Louis Rams.

For the future in his recruiting process, Smothers is looking to take a couple more visits. “Definitely West Virginia, Clemnson, Ohio State, USC, and Oregon. After the summer time I would like to have a top ten, and at the end of the football season I want a top five.” said Smothers. “I am definitely going to sign my letter on National Signing Day.”

Below are highlights:

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