Gators land four-star defensive back

C.J. Smith’s commitment to Florida was somehow both a slow burn and a sudden decision. The two descriptions fly in each other’s face, sure, but that’s how Smith describes it.

The four-star defensive back had visited before and had a feeling he would eventually land in Gainesville, but his most recent trip to campus solidified things with haste. Smith made his pledge on the spot.

“I’ve been visiting there a lot,” Smith said. “That was my third time there at Florida, but I just knew this time. It was an amazing experience to be there around Coach Jim McElwain and Coach JaJuan Seider. It was great just being around them and a team full of people that are willing to help you out and be around you even while they’re in practice. It was just the perfect feeling.”

As has become industry standard, Smith released his commitment with a tweet.

Smith credits his relationship with Sider for sealing the deal on his commitment but also points out that there were other factors directing him to Gainesville. This was not a spur-of-the-moment ordeal. According to Smith, there are layers to his decision.

“They want me to play free safety,” Smith said. “They don’t have any other safeties that are committed right now. They said all of their guys are graduating or going to the draft. That was great news for me. I took that in and saw it as more encouragement.

Smith, who attends Florida’s Oxbridge Academy High School, says he plans to take a few visits this spring but has no destinations in mind.

“I’m gonna take a couple visits,” Smith said. “Just a couple, but I don’t know where yet. I’m going to talk to my head coach about it and make it work.”