Calvin Smith talks about his commitment

The Tennessee Volunteers were looking for a strong and athletic defensive tackle that could come in a play right away as a true freshman for the 2010 recruiting class. There aren’t many high level prospects that have a chance to play early so the race was on to find one who could. The Vols offered Calvin Smith (Hialeah, Florida) a 6’4 250 pound defensive tackle with power and speed earlier in the year. After a visit to Tennessee and time to talk to his family Smith decided to pick his school and committed to Tennessee.

“Yes sir I committed to Tennessee late last night around 11 pm,” said an excited Smith. “I called Coach Lane Kiffin late last night to give him the news that I wanted to commit and he was pretty ecstatic about me committing. It was pretty cool. I was ecstatic, my parents were ecstatic, and of course Coach Kiffin was as well.”

The fact that Smith grew up a Florida State fan didn’t play a role in Smith’s choice but instead chose Tennessee for a certain defensive coordinator.

“Growing up and seeing all the football I have seen I knew a good amount the history of the league and when you think of Coach Monte Kiffin you think of a great pedigree and a history of football,” said Smith. “I mean he coached Mike Tomlin of the Steelers and his track record speaks for itself. The chance to be coached by Coach Monte Kiffin is huge. He has coached so many great players and I have a chance to really grow as a player.”

Smith informed VolNation.com that Tennessee’s coaches have told him that he’s fast, strong, and agile and that is a big reason why the staff was very high on him.

“The coaches told me they like my style of play and that being so strong yet athletic and fast I have a chance to be a pretty big player for them and hopefully I can get out there soon and play,” said Smith.

The chance for early playing time at Tennessee was also a big deciding factor for Smith.

“I feel like I can contribute right away,” said Smith. “In fact I am using this off-season as my redshirt and just going to push myself so hard that I know I will see the field next year as a true freshman. It was a reason why I went to Tennessee. The coaches and myself both felt like I could get out there and help the team right away.”

Smith is headed out to Hawaii for an all star game and from there he will put his focus on getting ready for the 2010 season and helping the Vols win the SEC.

VolNation.com would like to congratulate Cavlin Smith and his family on his selection for college and wish him the best of luck.

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