NSD: Jeremy Smith signs with FIU

(Rico Albarracin/The Beacon)

(Rico Albarracin/The Beacon)

By Rico Albarracin/ Asst. Sports Director

rico.albarracin@fiusm.com
While sitting in front of his family, friends, schoolmates and football team, Jeremy Smith vocalized his decision.“Go FIU!,” said Smith. Smith, a senior wide receiver from Flanagan High school, has committed to be a Panther for the next four years. Head coach Mario Cristobal had nothing but praise when speaking of Smith.“Not only is he one of the fastest kids in the state, but he’s one of the fastest in the country,” said Cristobal.The three-star recruit, according to Rivals.com, turned down offers from prominent schools, such as Kentucky, Bowling Green and Sun Belt Conference rival Middle Tennessee. Smith committed to FIU even with the rumors of Cristobal. When Cristobal turned down the job, Smith knew it was the right decision.

“He turned that down because we’re on the road for success,” said Smith. “We’re building a program that can’t be stopped.”

As a senior, Smith caught eight passes for 183 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 230 yards on 25 carries with three additional touchdowns, including a spectacular performance against West Broward, in which he accrued 130 total yards with three touchdowns in a 42-0 win. Smith’s senior garnered him an Honorable Mention on the All-Broward County team.

When asked about whether Cristobal’s decision to stay or go would have influenced his decision, Smith was emphatic about it.

“It wasn’t gonna shake my decision. I was gonna stay with FIU all along,” said Smith. “If he would’ve left, I would’ve said ‘It’s his loss,’ but he decided to stay so all is well.”

CHRIS AYERS
Along with Smith, FIU was able to sign Chris Ayers, a punter from South Broward High School. Ayers was a Class 7A First Team All-State and First Team All-Broward County. As a senior, Ayers attempted 25 punts and kicked for 1,055 yards, averaging 42.2 yards per punt.

About Post Author