4-star WR Travis Smith commits to Tennessee
Atlanta Westlake wide receiver Travis Smith has committed to Tennessee over Alabama, Auburn and Georgia. The Bulldogs were trending early, and the in-state school was working hard late, but the Vols stayed consistent and it paid off for the SEC program in Knoxville.
“It was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made,” Smith told On3. “At the end of the day, I felt Tennessee fit what I was looking for the best. From offensive productivity to the opportunity to shine in the offense to the scheme and just being in the best position to succeed.
“Georgia and Alabama were great, and it was a tight race. Both schools are great programs with coaches I like a lot, but I decided Tennessee was best for me.”
Early in the process, Georgia had the buzz. Alabama surged early in the summer as well. Auburn was in his top four as well, but Tennessee was steady from the beginning and the Vols pulled ahead late.
“From start to finish, Tennessee was the same. They recruited me hard from the time they offered me. I built some great relationships with the coaches at Tennessee and they were one of the most consistent schools that recruited me.
“In the spring, they pushed the gas and they showed me how important I was to them. The relationships, their plan for me and how they recruited me made an impact on my decision.”
Smith likes the people and the system at Tennessee
Kelsey Pope is Smith’s lead recruiter. The wide receivers coach has been heavily involved since the Vols offered. Smith has a strong relationship with Pope. Josh Heupel played a key role too. He is an active head coach in recruiting and Smith is excited about the people he will be around Knoxville.
“It is like a family up there,” Smith said. “I really have a great feel for the guys in the Tennessee program. the coaches know me and my family well, they have been really engaged with me and I feel comfortable with them.
“Not just the coaches, but the players too. Mike Matthews was my host on my official visit. I have met Bru McCoy. Nico Iamaleava spent a lot of time with me and my family on the official visit. There is great camaraderie at Tennessee between the players and the coaches.”
The fit with the players and within the scheme appeal to the No. 78 prospect in the On3 Industry Ranking. He has worked hard to be that Top 100 talent and he sees a chance to have success inside Neyland Stadium.
“Tennessee is putting the final pieces together. They have great coaches and great players and they are adding those final pieces. I love the offense they run and I like my chance to make plays in it.
“Tennessee is getting the offensive linemen to protect the quarterback. I have great relationships with Nico and George MacIntyre, so I know there will be great quarterbacks throwing the ball to me there. Then coach Heupel runs a great offense that gets his playmakers the ball, so I love the opportunity I have at Tennessee.”