Dynamic 4-Star 2021 Mississippi WR Deion Smith Talks Recruiting and Alabama Visit
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
With Class of 2021 receiver Deion Smith on your roster, the goal for me if I were the offensive coordinator is to feed him the pigskin as often as possible. The 6-2, 172-pound target has been a dynamic play-maker for Provine High School over the last two years ending his sophomore campaign with 23 receptions for 465 yards and nine scores and has exploded for 32 receptions covering 801 yards with 16 touchdowns this season. He is also greatly impacting games as a return specialist with nine kicks taken back 378 yards the other way with two punts for 36 more yards.
Eight scholarship offers have been dropped on the desk of the Jackson, Mississippi, area product with top regional teams looking in on him. But the incoming looks are an uphill grind for college programs, Smith verbally committed to Mississippi State on April 3.
With a 5A playoff opening round game coming up against West Point on the 15th and a Saturday visit to Alabama for the LSU game, Smith and I had a lot to talk about in this RNG exclusive.
Interview
Deion, obviously I am not the only one impressed with your play on the field as a receiver. You show great concentration watching the ball into your hands. Is that a natural talent or something you have developed over time?
“It is natural. It comes with me. I did not train on that part of my game.”
Another big part of your game that stands out is your YAC. That is determination and mindset. What is your mindset on the field?
“The mindset is that I need to score. I always want to score.”
The will and determination to make plays carries over on special teams. You really show the speed off there. How fast are you?
“I run a 4.4 in the 40. I also run track.”
Where did you post that 40 time?
“At a SPE camp.”
Nice. Which events are you running in track?
“The 200, 4×2, and 4×1.”
When you guys line up, what offense set are you running?
“We run the Spread – a four receiver set.”
What are some of the routes you are running this season from the outside?
“I run slants, fades, post, digs, and hitches – I run them all.”
How are defenses trying to cover you?
“Some teams play one-on-one and some double me with one dude pressing and the other over the top.”
Where has your game improved the most with your skillset this season?
“My speed. I worked on that over the summer. I worked on getting in and out of my breaks faster, my route running – all that.”
Which game this season has been your best?
“Callaway (Jackson) game. I had five catches for 120 yards with three touchdowns. And I scored the game winning touchdown.”
Oh man, that certainly qualifies as a top game. With your play on the field, how many offers have you earned?
“Seven.”
Smith’s Offer Sheet (8): Auburn, Arkansas, Louisville, LSU, Memphis, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, and Tennessee
*Memphis offered after this interview
Have you visited any college programs this fall?
“Yes. I have taken game day visits to Mississippi State, Alabama, and LSU.”
Cool. How did the Alabama visit go for you?
“I was there for the Ole Miss game, it was a good visit. I talked to Nick Saban (HC).”
That’s cool. What did the two of you talk about?
“It was a good talk. He was telling me everything I can do on the field in their offense, but they have not offered me yet.”
And the LSU visit?
“I love LSU.”
And the Mississippi State visit?
“That is home. I love Mississippi State.”
Coming up, any other planned visits?
“Yes. I am going to Alabama this weekend for the LSU game. I might go to an Auburn game soon too.”
What has you excited for this weekend’s trip to Tuscaloosa?
“This game will be a good one. I am just looking forward to the game.”
The team is on a two-game winning streak facing Ridgeland (7-3) on the road on Friday. What do you guys need to do to take down the Titans before going to the playoffs?
“We have to be disciplined and play sound. We have to do our jobs to come out with the win.”
Deion, thanks for your time today and good luck with your visit to Alabama this weekend.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Smith family; Deion Smith at LSU