Senior linebacker Elwood Smith III committed to Pikeville over the weekend. The Hapeville Charter student-athlete made his official commitment when he tweeted:
Smith has been one of the hardest workers we have seen over the last few years, going from a backup defensive lineman his sophomore year to the starting middle linebacker for a Hapeville squad that finished in the final four for Class AA in Georgia. The senior was dedicated to improving his game and for all the right reasons.
With his commitment now officially made, we asked Smith what it feels like to be done with the recruiting process. “It feels relieving that recruiting is finally over, my parents are done stressing wondering will they have to pay for me to go to college, but now I’m finally going to school for free.”
For some players football is just a fun fall sport, but for Smith, playing on Friday nights with his teammates meant everything.
“Playing on Friday night always had my adrenaline pumping before I run out of that tunnel with my teammates. I always pictured myself making big plays before I go to war with my brothers. I used to always think would it be my last time playing football, so I used to walk back and forth in the end zone nervous. I drop down to my knees and pray for the safety of me and my teammates and coaches. Once I’m done and I run out that tunnel with my brothers everything flies out the window and I’m ready for war.”
Smith has been one of the longest followers for Recruit Georgia dating back to 2014. Like many sophomore recruits, Smith was eager to get offers, but the college recruiting process can be rather fickle. Over the last few years, Smith got accustomed to the college recruiting process, so we asked what advice he can give to future college recruits.
“To all future recruits, always be prepared for any college coach that comes to see you. Make sure test scores and transcript are up to date. Be respectful, look him eye to eye, don’t curse, ask questions, no sagging, keep your hair groomed, and most importantly when a coach offers you ask him will you still be on scholarship if you get hurt! No matter what school you go to, D1, D1AA, D2, NAIA, as long as it’s free you should sign that letter of intent. You can go to the NFL no matter where you go!”
Pikeville is once again assembling a solid recruiting class in the state of Georgia, and their coaching staff found another diamond in the rough with Smith. The senior linebacker plays the game like his hair is on fire and takes great pursuit angles after the ball-carrier. His high-energy style can be infectious for a defense, and we think the future Pikeville student-athlete will excel in their program.
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