Wasn't recruited as heavily early on by the likes of USC because of concern he wouldn't qualify. Committed early which always implies to me that a change of heart could occur. Considering it was FSU, I'm sure he's been abused for the entire year. Not that same hatred for UT down there. He was being recruited by Drayton. Props to Kiffin however if he were to pull him like James Green. Based upon what Smith states in the article below, Kiffin is saying what he wants to hear.
Drayton gives Vols shot at Miami receiver : Football Recruiting : GoVolsXtra.com
Tennessee running backs coach Stan Drayton has put the Vols in good position with Rodney Smith.
The receiver from Archbishop Carroll High School in Miami said he’s strongly considering UT because of his strong relationship with Drayton.
Smith said he speaks often with Drayton, who visited Smith’s high school Friday.
“He told me they don’t really have a big difference maker at receiver,” Smith said. “He felt like I could be a difference maker early at Tennessee.”
The 6-foot-5, 205-pound Smith said early playing time will be a factor in his decision.
Smith said he believes his size will help him contribute immediately in college.
He said his large frame allows him to attack defenses however he wants.
“I feel like I can do everything on the field,” he said. “I can be a big red zone threat. I can take a short pass and take it down the field.”
Smith holds scholarship offers from about 20 schools, including UT, Auburn, Florida State, Ole Miss and Missouri.
He said he has also received strong interest from Georgia, LSU, Ohio State, Southern Cal, Notre Dame, Michigan and Michigan State.
Smith said he’s looking for a school that can prepare him for the NFL.
He said he believes UT’s offense would help him develop into an NFL-caliber receiver.
“They get the ball around a lot,” he said. “That’s real important.
“I feel like I could be an NFL wide receiver. Tennessee could be one of the schools to help me out in getting to the NFL.”
Smith said he will wait to see if he receives more scholarship offers before he finalizes his summer visits.
He already plans to make stops at UT, Florida State, South Florida and Central Florida.
Smith said he will use his summer visits to find the campuses that will make him feel comfortable.
“I want to have a good relationship with the coaches of whichever school I go to,” he said. “You want to be comfortable around the people you’re with and the coaches. I want to go where it feels like a family.”
lol:
