ND, Hiestand Make Strong Impressions On Smith

“It went well,” the 6-foot-5, 280-pounder from Jackson, Tenn., told Irish Sports Daily. “Everything was awesome down there.”

Smith has an impressive early offer sheet with several of the nation’s top programs on it and Notre Dame is one of the programs that’s been standing out for him for a long time. Irish offensive line coach Harry Hiestand was a big reason why and meeting Hiestand in person for the first time was a big reason why this weekend was such a successful trip.

“Just getting to finally meet Coach Hiestand, sit an offensive line meeting and see how everything operated down there,” Smith said of what stood out about the visit.

“He’s very genuine. He’s honest and sincere. I think he’s one of the best offensive line coaches in the country. Just watching him, it’s obvious he loves his guys and loves being an offensive line coach.”

He also had the chance to reconnect with 2016 offensive line signees Parker Boudreaux and Tommy Kraemer who were also in town for the weekend.

“It was awesome finally seeing them again,” Smith said. “The last time I saw Tommy in person was at The Opening. I saw Parker at the Under Armour All-American Game. It was nice to catch up with those two.”

Kraemer and Boudreaux were certainly trying to convince Smith to join the group.

“They were saying I’m a focused guy and it’s almost like an agenda down there,” said Smith. “Everybody on the o-line is really focused on being successful. They sold that pitch and also Coach Hiestand; the combination of focus and one of the best coaches, it’s the ultimate combination if you want to make it to the next level.”

Smith said “there’s no doubt” he’d fit in with the current members of the offensive line, including guys like Quenton Nelson and Mike McGlinchey.

“Absolutely,” he said. “Q, he was like sort of the big brother when we hung out. McGlinchey was cool, Alex Bars. Really, everybody on the o-line was really cool.”

Smith also got a chance to learn more about Notre Dame’s academics and the structure for student-athletes.

“Their excellent,” he said. “I think they have a 94 percent graduation rate. I know they stressed the average Notre Dame student got a 33 on the ACT and a 3.9 GPA. It’s obvious that academics are important. Their system is like, ‘We’re not going just baby you. We’re not going to be a crutch. We’re going to monitor you.’”

Smith wants to enroll early at the school of his choice and expects to make a decision in December.

“I’ll probably stay in touch with Coach Hiestand to keep building that relationship and probably go back and visit. It’d probably be for an official for a game day.”

When asked if Notre Dame improved its chances of landing him after the visit, Smith said, “Definitely.”