The Chase is Over: Smith becomes commit #22 for Canes

Despite a majority of Miami’s current recruiting class hailing from South Florida, Canes coaches are fully aware that talent exists outside of the area, even though they didn’t have to go that far for their next commitment.

On Thursday afternoon, Miami received a commitment from four-star athlete Chase Smith. Smith hails from Bayside High School in Palm Bay, FL and is ranked as the 14th-best athlete in the country, 260th-overall according to the 247Sports Composite. He chose the Canes over a multitude of Power 5 schools. LBs coach Jonathan Patke and defensive coordinator Blake Baker will receive credit for his commitment.

First I want to thank God, along with all the family, friends, and coaches that have helped me prosper through this journey. Proud is an understatement to how I feel in my commitment to the University of Miami🟢🟠. #GoCanes @canesfootball @Coach_MannyDiaz pic.twitter.com/GmXHQaAtJw

— Chase Smith (@Chasesmith2021) August 28, 2020

The reason Smith is considered an “athlete” is because he plays and excels on both sides of the ball for Bayside. At 6’3”, 190 lbs., he caught 50 passes for 716 yards as a receiver in 2019 while playing a good amount on defense. He even ran track in his sophomore year. However, Smith will ultimately suit up at either linebacker or striker for defensive coordinator Blake Baker and the Canes. 

247Sports national recruiting analyst Greg Biggins considers Smith “one of the most versatile players in the country” and notes that “he can blitz off the edge as well as drop back in coverage…has a safety frame but a linebacker skill set.” That versatility would be a big help for the linebacker position and actually caters to the striker position for Miami so this sounds like a match made in heaven for both parties. 

A big pull for Smith that ultimately led to choosing Miami was his family ties. His father Willie was an All-American tight end for the Canes in the mid-80s while his mother and brother also attended Miami. 

Smith is commit #22 for Manny Diaz in this class and the third commit at linebacker, joining Tyler Johnson and Deshawn Troutman. Miami’s class now ranks 8th in the nation with two open spots left. 

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