Calvin Smith Gets First Offer

Fans of college teams debate back and forth which school is ‘Linebacker U’ or ‘Quarterback U’. I think it’s safe to say Hialeah High School has been ‘D-Line High’ the past couple of seasons. The Thoroughbreds featured current Miami Hurricane Adewale Ojomo in 2006, Illinois defensive tackle Corey Liuget in 2007, and this season a pair of talented junior defensive linemen. The next to carry on the tradition of ‘D-Line High’ are defensive end Corey Lemonier and defensive tackle Calvin Smith.

All summer it was Lemonier gaining all the publicity for being one of the top 2010 defensive lineman prospects in the state. Lemonier already has Miami, Florida, West Virginia, FIU, and UCF offers in his pocket. Smith is starting to step out of the shadow of his teammate.

The 6-foot-3, 250-pound Smith plays both offensive line and defensive tackle for the Thoroughbreds. Smith recently got his first of what should be many official offers.

“I got an offer today (September 25) from Miami, coach told me,” said Smith.

An excited Smith went on to describe the emotions of receiving his first offer.

“I feel good about it. I got to just keep doing what I’m doing and keep my grades up.”

The Hurricanes may have been the first to offer, but several schools have been talking to Smith in recent weeks.

“Florida’s been talking to me, cause I went on a visit up there during the summer. I went to Florida, UCF, and USF, and they’ve been talking to me.”

The talented 2010 lineman has also been getting letters from Florida State, Indiana, Auburn, and Clemson. With Miami being the hometown team and being the first to offer, how does Smith feel about the opportunity to play so close to home?

“I don’t even know it would be kind of good,” said Smith. “I would like to (stay in state), but it doesn’t really matter. I’ll go out of state.”

This Dade County kid is not a lock for the hometown school though. Smith grew up a fan of Florida State.

“I might end up going there (FSU) if they end up offering, since I liked them and been a big fan since I was little.”

The only question about Smith is what side of the ball he lines up on at the next level.

“I don’t even know, but I want to be a D-tackle that’s what I want to play. I feel like I can block any body though.”

Defensive tackle may be the best route taken with Smith. Finding good defensive tackles is always at a premium for every college program. He is very quick and powerful in the middle, often getting great penetration.

Smith and his Hialeah teammates look to improve on their 3-0 record next week verse Carol City.