LB Josh Smith commits to South Carolina: 'South Carolina is built on family and love'

Irmo (S.C.) Dutch Fork linebacker Josh Smith was back in Columbia over the weekend for his official visit to South Carolina and he saw all he needed to see. Entering that visit, the Gamecocks had an edge over NC State and Ole Miss, then the visit put his recruitment to rest. He left the visit committed to Shane Beamer and the in-state program.

“The official visit solidified everything for me with South Carolina,” Smith told On3. “Getting to know more about the program from the school side of things to the weight program to the ball side and seeing what all can do for me showed me all I needed to see. Seeing everything really made me love South Carolina and the more I learned, the more I liked, so that helped me make my decision.”

Since decommitting from Coastal Carolina a little over a month ago, South Carolina recruiting the 6-foot-2, 230-pound defender felt like a priority for South Carolina. Clayton White was his lead recruiter and Smith believes in him.

“Coach White is impressive. He has great knowledge, I like how the linebackers play in South Carolina’s defense and we have a great relationship. He likes my ability, I like how he coaches and I see a great opportunity to get on the field early and learn from coach White and play for him.”

White is part of Beamer’s staff. The head coach in Columbia sees all equally and that culture under Beamer excites Smith.

“South Carolina is built on family and love. Coach Beamer values those things. He talks about those things and how building his team with guys from this state is important to him.

“South Carolina is a family. Everyone is welcoming. Coach Beamer and staff are amazing and how he treats the coaches, how he loves the players makes it the family I want to be a part of.”

South Carolina has everything Smith is looking for

The Wolfpack and Rebels gave Smith a lot to think about. He had an interest in those schools, but South Carolina checked all his boxes and it started with the location.

“Playing for your hometown team and putting it on for your state is something football players dream of,” Smith said. “To stay home is a life-changing decision and I am excited for the future. It is a great feeling.”

The direction of the program is something else that has Smith excited. The Gamecocks are coming off a 44-20 win over Texas A&M and are 5-3 this season with tough, close, losses to LSU and Alabama.

“I see what this team can do. They have had tough losses, but their play in big games shows a lot about how tough they are and where the program is going. In the next two years, South Carolina will rise to the top of the SEC. Things are going to be scary in Columbia.”

The fans already create a scary atmosphere in Williams-Brice Stadium. They are cheering for a program, Smith wants to be a part of and he can’t wait to play in that environment.

“I have been in big stadiums before for big games, but nothing is like Williams-Brice. It is packed every game, it is always loud and the fans are passionate. They show up and show out for the team.

“It is exciting to play for fans like that and a coaching staff that cares so much about their team. South Carolina has it all. They are a great program with great people.”

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