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After a few quiet weeks on the recruiting trail, the Miami Hurricanes landed another high profile 2021 player, 4-star ATH Chase Smith out of Palm Bay Bayside. Big time get for Manny Diaz and his team.
BREAKING: Palm Bay Bayside Top247 ATH Chase Smith has committed to Miami. The UM legacy picks the Hurricanes over UF, FSU, OU and others. https://t.co/brojtNj3pe pic.twitter.com/uVNY9HcSs3
— Andrew Ivins (@Andrew_Ivins) August 27, 2020
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
247 Sports has Smith listed as the #12 ATH in the 2021 class, #31 player in the state of Florida, and #222 player nationally for the cycle. Smith was offered by Miami back in January.
Blessed to receive a scholarship offer from the University of Miami @CanesFootball @CoachBanda @CoachBroomfield @TahjaiGraham @donnie_cullen @cameron77977931 @loganbrabham2 pic.twitter.com/NxmRwL84WE
— Chase Smith (@Chasesmith2021) January 10, 2020
Smith is also a legacy at Miami, as his father, Willie Smith, was the first great tight end to play for the Hurricanes. Willie played for UM in the 1980’s, and was a consensus All-American in 1985, under head coach Jimmy Johnson.
Smith has played on both sides of the ball in high school, lining up at receiver on offense, then at linebacker on defense. On offense, Smith finished his junior year with 50 receptions, 716 yards and 7 touchdowns. At linebacker, he totaled 72 tackles, 18 TFLs, 4 sacks and 4 interceptions in 2019.
Melbourne based Chase Smith, the no. 202 player in 2021 class according to Rivals, commits to Canes and will play striker, per Canesport.
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) August 27, 2020
It’s been reported that Miami likes Smith on defense, and I think he can excel at the striker position, with his exceptional speed and agility, to go along with ball-skills of a receiver, making him the perfect ballhawk in the secondary.