Oregon: Smalls has been a fan of the Oregon program for many years and even talked about having interest in the Ducks when coach Willie Taggart (now at Florida State) was in Eugene. Oregon’s staff under coach Mario Cristobal is aggressive and relentless on the recruiting trail and Smalls has taken multiple trips to campus. He also likes that Cristobal has experience in the SEC that he’s brought to the Pac-12 so that could be a huge bonus. Playing opposite Kayvon Thibodeaux, a five-star in the 2019 class, might be a major selling point as well.
Florida State: Over the summer, Smalls spent four days in Tallahassee getting acclimated to the program, the school and the overall feel of the town. By all accounts, it went really well and the Seminoles have to be considered one of the frontrunners for him even as he cuts his list down further. The five-star has good chemistry with the Florida State coaching staff and he has close friend and former teammate Tre’Shaun Harrison already on the team. During his trip this summer, the two talked about how it could help convince Smalls that Florida State is the right place. As the fall approaches, Florida State is in a strong spot.
Tennessee: When Smalls released his top 12 list in February, Tennessee did not make the cut but the Volunteers have not given up recruiting him and after a two-day visit this summer the SEC program has emerged in his top six. The five-star has developed a strong relationship with coach Jeremy Pruitt, coach Brian Niedermeyer and others on the staff. This season could be huge especially if the Vols get off to a hot start and then impress Smalls on his official visit. At this point, Tennessee could be a long shot to land his commitment.
