UM Legacy TJ Smith wins Rivals Gatorade MVP, hopes to hear from Canes soon

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Stefan Adams

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2019 South Broward QB TJ Smith was out at the Rivals 3 Stripe Miami Camp recently and was recognized for his performance as Gatorade MVP of the camp, awarded to the player who shows the most energy and leadership out on the field. While he accepted the honor, Smith felt he deserved another award at the camp as well: QB MVP.

“I honestly feel like I performed the best out there, that’s why I was shocked when I didn’t win QB MVP,” Smith said. “I’ve worked too hard every day to not win MVP when I performed like I was supposed to.”

As a junior on a South Broward team lacking seasoning, Smith’s play went down a notch from his big sophomore season and his performance suffered from a lack of a consistent play-caller. He’ll look to improve as a senior in 2018, though.

“We definitely could have done better, however, we were an inexperienced team, both our offense and defense,” Smith said. “I had 15 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, and 1,500 passing yards. I did alright, but my sophomore year ended up being better than my junior year, we went through 4 different offensive coordinators in the past year. So, I did okay, just not as good as I could have done.”

The 6’2” 183 pounder sees himself as a pure quarterback at the next level and won’t change positions just for more college interest. In that department, Smith lists one FBS offer so far, from the USF Bulls, while gaining heavy interest from the likes of Cincinnati, Purdue, Indiana, and Kentucky. But there’s one school he hopes to start hearing from very soon, and, as a double legacy, would likely commit if they offered: the Miami Hurricanes.

“Yes, most definitely actually, that’s my dream school,” Smith said when asked if he’d like to hear from Miami. “I’ve come to one of their practices and I just love how quick everything was moving, and how everything seemed so organized. Also, both my parents went there, my mom played basketball and my dad played football.” (Smith’s father is Travis Smith, who played DB for the Canes from 1988-91 and was a member of UM’s 1989 National Title team. His mother is Dellareese Wilson-Smith, who played for the Miami Women’s Hoops team from 1988-1992 and earned All-Big East honors at PG.)

A good way to earn an offer from the Canes? Play your way into it on the field at Paradise Camp. Although Smith was unable to attend Paradise last year due to a prior commitment, he plans on getting down to the 2018 version of Paradise.

“I went to the camp before Paradise Camp last year (Mark Richt’s summer camp),” Smith explained. “Coach Richt’s son (QB coach Jon Richt) told me to come back to the Paradise Camp, but I had to go out of town. I’ll most definitely be there this year, though.”

The recruiting process is still in it’s infancy for Smith and there’s a long way to go for him at this stage to land on a final decision.

“I honestly have to discuss it more with my parents,” said Smith. “It’s whenever I feel like the time’s right.”

When that one school does become clear though, what will that program have to do to separate itself from the rest?

“I’m looking for love. I want them to show me they want me,” Smith said. “If a school does that, I’ll most likely end up going there, depending on what kind of offense they run and their past history with quarterbacks. I’m just trying to put myself in the best position to go to the next level.”

 
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15 TD's, 10 interceptions? Numbers do not tell the entire story, but they do paint a vivid picture. Looking at his film, he does not seem to be at the same level as the other two qbs that we've offered.

Richt does not come across like he will give someone an offer just because his parents are alumni. It will be interesting to follow how this plays out.
 
Reg, Everyone's sleeping on this kid. I got to see this kid live at Rivals and Elite 11 and have to say, he was perhaps the most impressive QB at both camps.

Hard to compare him to other QBs we've offered given competition level, (Howell, Mertz or Wise) because while his last year stats are not impressive, the competition he faces in SoFlo is. The knock we get in SoFla is we don't have QBs down here but when schools recruit the ones we do have, all we do is break records (Doughtery, White, WKU) and win All-American honors and Heisman trophies (Quinton Flowers, Lamar Jackson). Give me a proven SoFla QB (Richardson @ CC, Scalzo @ CG or TJ @ SB) any day.

Checkout his sophmore highlights on Ytube @ 2:30 mark, I'm sure you'll be impressed. His accuracy stands out to me.

 
This guy was impressive both times I saw him at camps this spring.

Great release, good demeanor, very consistent in terms of accuracy and velocity. I could definitely see him being a productive player on the next level.

And since I have to bring it up, he has freakish 10.5 inch hands per official measurements.
 
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Reg, Everyone's sleeping on this kid. I got to see this kid live at Rivals and Elite 11 and have to say, he was perhaps the most impressive QB at both camps.

Hard to compare him to other QBs we've offered given competition level, (Howell, Mertz or Wise) because while his last year stats are not impressive, the competition he faces in SoFlo is. The knock we get in SoFla is we don't have QBs down here but when schools recruit the ones we do have, all we do is break records (Doughtery, White, WKU) and win All-American honors and Heisman trophies (Quinton Flowers, Lamar Jackson). Give me a proven SoFla QB (Richardson @ CC, Scalzo @ CG or TJ @ SB) any day.

Checkout his sophmore highlights on Ytube @ 2:30 mark, I'm sure you'll be impressed. His accuracy stands out to me.


Solid points and nice first post.
 
Is coached by my former hs head coach who was a qb. Apparently he is the goods cause my coach has been vouching for him. S.Broward isnt that talented, but he is one of the better players...had they kept Keemy Hayes (UK Commit 2018) at wr and a few others his numbers would be better though. I'll ask my coach about him, he definately should have more offers though
 
Hopefully he gets to experience paradise camp this summer and learn mechanics: set feet where ball is being delivered, to include quicker release. I like his confidence and vision!
 
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I'm familiar with the family and both parents were members of the hurricanes. We used to joke that Travis was the best DB you'd never see on TV! He was also on an academic scholarship at UM and graduated with a degree in Computer programming and another in Mathematics. The guy talked a lot of trash there is no doubt he was on the team.
 
Great well written article just to think how amazing it would be if he can follow in his parents footsteps and play at UM. Ive Watched TJ Smith ever since Pee wee, And I can tell you that his growth, work ethic,and professionalism has been nothing but impressive.He has ran a pro style offense and is a pure pocket passer that can be Mobile when needed, which is one of the most difficult styles of QB. Ever since TJ hit the H.S. Scence he has made noise, by either making Top 5 and or winning MVP in most of his camps he competes in (that should speak for his self).TJ also Managed to make 2nd team ALL COUNTY with limited touches on a lackluster team this past season with South Broward. With all that said he has still flown below the radar but just might really break though at paradise camp this summer. I do see more offers coming for him. I think instead of us trying to bring this young man down in the comment section we should empower HIM if he does happen to read our comments. He is a young gentlemen still working to perfect his craft, the sky is the limit for him.
 
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Seen this kid live. Big drop off in talent between Jr/Tai and this kid.
 
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I'm familiar with the family and both parents were members of the hurricanes. We used to joke that Travis was the best DB you'd never see on TV! He was also on an academic scholarship at UM and graduated with a degree in Computer programming and another in Mathematics. The guy talked a lot of trash there is no doubt he was on the team.

Thanks for the info - so he was an academic schollie kid? That explains it.

Love your screen name, btw. Key west’s finest!
 
Hope he gets an invite to Paradise to showcase his skills. That will get him in front of the coaches and then it's on him to perform.
 
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