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Lakota West's Smith commits to UNC

Lakota West senior TE Alex Smith announced on Tuesday, Nov. 24, that he will attend the University of North Carolina.

By Steven Matthews, Staff Writer Updated 7:59 AM Wednesday, November 25, 2009

WEST CHESTER TWP. — Lakota West High senior tight end Alex Smith has verbally committed to the University of North Carolina.

And this time, Smith said his decision is “very firm.”

The 6-foot-5, 255-pounder announced his choice to attend UNC on Tuesday, Nov. 24, in a media conference call.

His commitment comes nine months after he verballed to the University of Cincinnati, then revealing in early June he would re-open the recruiting process.

“I know it’s right for me,” said Smith, noting that he won’t take any more visits. “I’m kind of glad I’m done with the recruiting process. It’s a very solid decision and the program I want to be in.”

Smith — the No. 10-rated tight end in the country according to Rivals.com — said his decision came down to Wisconsin and UNC. The Tar Heels’ pro-style offense was a key factor.

“It’s been a tough decision on him,” West coach Larry Cox said. “He’s had some great schools recruit him. I couldn’t be happier for him. He’s going to a great school and great program.”

Smith was a first-team, all-Greater Miami Conference pick this year after catching 23 passes for 411 yards and four touchdowns. He did miss three games, including the final two, due to disciplinary reasons.

As a junior, he had 27 receptions for 375 yards and four scores to earn second-team, all-GMC honors.

“In my 23 years of coaching football, he’s the best tight end I’ve been around,” Cox said. “It’s not even close. He’s so physical as a blocker, yet at the same time, he has very soft hands. He’s a dual threat. The sky’s the limit for him.”

Smith visited North Carolina in the summer, then took his official visit the first weekend of October. He went down there again for the Tar Heels’ game with Miami (Fla.) on Nov. 14.

“The Miami game was a big deciding factor,” Smith said. “That’s when I knew the program had everything I wanted. That’s when I made my final decision.

“Chapel Hill is a great area,” he added, “and they have an up-and-coming program.”

Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5113 or smatthews@coxohio.com.

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UC wanted him until he had the problems - maybe he will grow up when he gets to college, only ran across him in a couple of pickup basketball games and he had an attitude but maybe you need that - but maybe you get that when you're told how your stuff doesn't stink and you know he let his teammates down late in the football season - we'll see, if he is successful at UNC then we will defintely hear about it in the journal news - 3:24 AM having trouble sleeping take care

jackbo
11:26 AM, 11/26/2009

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Alex Smith will be an incredible teammate. Quoted in those exact words to be exact, by the very people he will be playing with this upcoming school year. i love how people can get on a website and bash someone that they know nothing about except for what the media frenzied addicts feel the need to "comment" on. If UC didn't want him then y the hell would they offer the number 6 tight-end in the country a full ride scholarship to be apart of such an elite program? grow up. find a hobby :0)

MSR
3:24 AM, 11/26/2009

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Do you have anything better to do than to wait for a Lakota West article to pop up so you can bash Jordan Hicks? I hope you feel better about yourself when you talk trash about a 17 year old kid. If you knew him at all, you would know that he is an absolute class act, and obviously a one of a kind athlete. Keep your jealousy to yourself. It takes a really big person to bash a high school student anonymously on the internet.

get real dude
4:10 PM, 11/25/2009

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What? You mean there is more than ONE player for Lakota West? I thought Jordan Hicks played all positions! Why else would he get as much coverage as he does?!?!

Speaking of, I'm really having a really hard time making it thru this week without my Jordan Hicks press conference fix.

Seriously, congratulations and good luck to Alex in all his future endeavours. I'm sure he will be happy to be out of the Chosen One's shadow.

what?
3:33 PM, 11/25/2009

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verbal committment - he hasn't signed any papers - suspended for three games his senior year including the last two - what kind of teammate will he be, i'm sure UNC will do their homework, UC didn't want him

jackbo
9:16 PM, 11/24/2009

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