Four-Star Recruit Calvin Smith Transfers from New Mexico

When the 2010 college football recruiting season came to a close, one shocker had everyone buzzing. Calvin Smith, a four-star defensive tackle out of Hileah High School in Hileah, Florida, surprised everyone by signing a letter of intent to the University of New Mexico.

But, according to Rick Wright of the Albuquerque Journal, Smith has decided to transfer from the school he committed to in order to play closer to home.


Courtesy of KOB.com

“I’ve had a positive experience during my time at New Mexico,” Smith said in a statement.  “I look forward to getting back closer to home and continuing my college career. I’d like to thank coach Locksley and coach Carter for their support and guidance during my time at UNM.”  

While it may look like a "close to home" move for the defensive tackle, Yahoo Sports' Graham Watson might have another theory. She mentions in her piece this morning that Smith was recruiting by not only New Mexico but Tennessee, Alabama, and Arkansas as well. Maybe this has more to do with playing in a bigger conference and a better team than it does being closer to where he lived.

Another university who also recruiting Smith out of high school was Florida State which is just about 480 miles to the north of Hileah. Coincidence? Maybe.

We don't know exactly where Smith is going to land or even if he is going to enroll at an SEC school to finish out the final three college years. The 6-foot-3 273 pound lineman had 14 tackles in 12 games last season for a team who finished with a horrendous 1-11 record last season.

If the young defensive tackle wants to be a star and wants to be noticed by NFL scouts, maybe this was a move which will do him some good down the road.


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