The University of Arkansas target receiver, CJ Smith, showed the SEC speed that the Hogs crave in their position, presenting impressive times in the 100 and 200 meters without a challenge.
Smith recorded 10.59 seconds in the 100 two weeks and 10.52 seconds on Thursday when he won both heats. The runner-up ran 11.05 seconds the first time and 10.80 on Thursday.
“So far, I haven’t really had a date that really pressured me,” said Smith of his high school athletic season. “Going to districts and regionals, I hope I can have at least one or two people who can give me that extra boost.”
Smith, 6-3, 180 pounds, from Orlando (Fla.) Bishop Moore Catholic announced a top 10 from Arkansas, Florida State, Florida, South Carolina, West Virginia, Michigan, Auburn, Iowa State, Central Florida and Tennessee on Tuesday.
He recorded 21.48 seconds in the 200 seconds of last week, while the runner-up recorded 21.94.
He is confident that he can shorten his times with a better start.
“I’m always one of the last people to leave, so I think, after fixing it, the sky is the limit,” said Smith, who has a best score of 21.32 out of 200.
Smith, who also wants to run in college, explained why the Razorbacks entered his list of the best schools.
“I had a very strong relationship with all the coaches who came to me,” said Smith. “They showed me how they can use me. How I would benefit them. I believe that this relationship goes far.”
His main communication is with special team coordinator Scott Fountain and receiver trainer Kenny Guiton. He detailed why his relationship with Fountain and Guiton is so solid.
“Just honesty. I really connect with them,” he said.
National recruiting analyst Tom Lemming of the CBS Sports Network classifies Smith as a potential 3-star client or more. Arkansas welcomed Smith and his parents for a virtual tour.
“They loved it,” said Smith of his parents. “They knew they were advanced, but they didn’t know they had all this sophisticated material. They were very shocked, but very happy. Especially with the coaches.”
The coaches gave his father St. Francis and his mother Elle comfort in knowing that he would be well taken care of if he decided to become a Razorback.
“As my mom and dad said, they need to feel comfortable leaving me somewhere and they don’t have to worry about me, and they said they really feel that way about the coaches,” said Smith.
Smith, who had 23 receptions for 361 yards and 4 touchdowns as a junior, plans to officially visit Fayetteville on June 4 if the NCAA suspends the dead period after May 31, as expected. He has three other official visits planned.
“The next week, I have South Carolina, the next week I have Florida, and the next week I have Auburn,” he said.
His fifth and final official visit is undecided.
“I’m still waiting for a fifth,” said Smith, who plans to make his college decision in mid-August. “I’m still working on it.”
Smith is looking to study sports medicine in college.
“Maybe a physical therapist or open my own training center,” he said.
Send an email to Richard Davenport at [email protected].
CJ Smith