Rising Alabama pass rusher loving the vibes he feels from South Carolina

Birmingham defensive end Demarcus Smith (6-foot-4, 262 pounds) wants to make his college commitment before the start of his season in September, so the end of this month looks like a doable timeline for him. Smith is still working with the short list of South Carolina, Virginia Tech, Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Kansas.

Tracy Rocker, who first recruited Smith while he was at Tennessee, has been the Gamecocks lead recruiter, though Will Muschamp and Bobby Bentley are also keeping in touch. Smith said he hears from the Gamecocks every day.

“We talk about how I can fit into South Carolina’s defensive scheme and how dominant I would be up front,” Smith said. “I’m a speed rusher. I come off the ball quick. And I’m long.”

Smith added that while he doesn’t have a clear favorite at this point, he likes what he’s hearing from the Gamecocks and he has a good feeling for them.

“I love the vibes from the coaches I’m getting,” Smith said. “It’s a family vibe. I love it.”

Smith has not yet been rated in the 247Sports system, and Rivals ranked him the No. 37 prospect in Alabama.

Notes:

▪ One of the state’s top 2022 prospect, center Eli Henderson (6-foot-4, 288 pounds) of Byrnes, is a big fan of Arkansas first year coach Sam Pittman. His first offer came from Pittman when he was the offensive line coach at Georgia. Pittman later became the head coach at Arkansas, and one of his first offers as Head Hog was to Henderson. Monday night Henderson repaid Pittman for his devotion by committing to the Razorbacks. He’s the first in-state prospect in the 2022 class to make a commitment. He also had an offer from Arizona State, while Clemson and USC showed some interest but did not offer prior to his commitment.

▪ Dutch Fork 2023 wide receiver Devin Hyatt was offered by Florida State He also has offers from Tennessee (brother is freshman wide receiver in Knoxville), Oregon, Virginia Tech and Coastal Carolina.

▪ Charlotte 7-footer Jonas Aidoo, a Clemson and South Carolina target, was offered by Miami.

This story was originally published August 11, 2020 at 11:41 AM.