Four-star Smith warming up to Florida after Sunshine Showdown visit

Dec 1, 2019 | 0 comments

By Payton Titus

FLORIDA FOOTBALL & RECRUITING COVERAGE
Go monthly with our $1.00 Sneak Peak

For the final home game of the season — and a rivalry one at that — Florida had a long list of prospects visiting the Swamp. Among those highest on the board in attendance was class of 2020 Sebastian (Fla.) River defensive tackle Tim Smith‍.

The 6-foot-4, four-star gave his verbal commitment to Alabama earlier this year, but has visited Florida on several occasions including Saturday, where he walked away impressed by the Gators’ 40-17 rout of the Florida State Seminoles.

“I’m just trying to just enjoy myself,” Smith said about his trip to Gainesville this weekend. “I mean, yea, I’ve been here multiple times…at this point I’m just trying to enjoy myself.”

His top three schools are Alabama, Florida and Georgia. When asked about his loyalties to the Tide over the Gators, Smith explained that he’s “just going off numbers right now.” While UF has an impressive track record for sending players off to the National Football League, Alabama’s track record is simply better. For Smith, this is a long-term decision.

However, Florida has its own enthralling qualities, one of which is proximity. Being from the Space Coast, he appreciates the opportunity to play for a premier program while also being close to home. “ I mean, I wouldn’t have an issue being away from home,” Smith explained. “So, but, if any — I know my parents are getting up in age, so if anything were to happen between now and signing day, I know for a fact I’d have a spot close to home.”

In addition to location, The Gators’ efficiency on the defensive side of the ball and the team’s overall progression under Dan Mullen and staff excites Smith.

“I love it. I love the pressure,” he said when asked about the Gators’ defense in the Sunshine Showdown.

Smith has plans to sign in December, but he only has official visits scheduled for two of his top-three schools (Alabama, Dec. 6 and Florida, Dec. 13).

Despite only having been to Alabama “a few times,” according to Smith, the Crimson Tide is still number one on his short list.

With 17 days left before the Early Signing Period commences on December 18, Smith says that “Florida is definitely second.”

Smith is ranked as the No. 146 ranked prospect in the nation according to the 247 Sports Composite and is a member of Inside the Gators Great Eight Targets.