Plenty of options for Ohio QB

Ohio gunslinger Chris Smith is a prospect that many schools will be monitoring over the next year. The Scout.com four-star quarterback has already been extended his first three official offers, and he is receiving solid interest from some of the of the nations top programs.

Chris Smith, a 6-foot-3, 215 pound, quarterback from South Point, Ohio, could have one of the strongest arms in the nation. Smith is being recruited by a wide variety of schools, and a few have risen to the top of his list.

“Recruiting has been going good. It has been getting hectic with all of the letters and invites. Marshall, West Virginia, Maryland, Florida, Ohio State, and Michigan are the schools that I am the most interested in,” Smith said.

“Marshall, Ohio, and West Virginia have all extended offers.”

One program may have created a lingering impression with Smith by being the first school to step up to the plate with an official offer.

“West Virginia offered me on the first day that they could (9/1). It made me feel good to get that first offer. Coach (Rich) Rodriguez has really turned that program around by beating Georgia in the Sugar Bowl,” Smith explained.

Smith, who will probably be the top rated quarterback in the state of Ohio for the class of 2007, sees himself as a balanced player on the field.

“I really do not consider myself to be stronger in any particular aspect of the game. I just try to go out there and play. I have a strong arm, but people say that I am elusive as well. I move around well in the pocket.”

Smith has made an initial list of favorites, but he is not ready to rule out any programs completely.

“I am keeping an open mind to the whole recruiting process. I am not really favoring anybody at this time. I want to keep all of my options open, and evaluate everyone who is interested in me,” Smith informed.

Chris has learned a lot about the recruiting process and how college football works from his brother Jarrod, who walked on to the Tennessee football team.

“My brother played college football, so he is someone that I look up to. It has helped a lot having him. I kind of know what to expect with the recruiting aspects, and how you need to act off of the field to be a success.”

As a junior, Smith passed for over 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns, and rushed for nearly 700 yards and six touchdowns, while on the way to garnering All-Conference, All-District, second team All-State, and second team All-Ohio honors.