2021 CB Devonta Smith Seeing Recruitment Come Full Circle with Notre Dame Offer

Notre Dame offered 2021 La Salle (Ohio) cornerback Devonta Smith‍ a month ago and it was a significant moment in his recruitment as things somewhat came full circle. 

"It was a huge offer for me," said Smith. "Believe it or not, Notre Dame was the first college campus I ever visited and really saw. In my eighth-grade year, I went up there for camp as a receiver. I did great and everything, but I was too young for them to recruit. 

"I always stayed in contact with Coach (Brian) Kelly, the receivers coach and some of the DB coaches. They saw I was going to be a cornerback, but I didn't see it until my sophomore year. Getting the offer, it was an amazing feeling." 

The offer from the Irish didn't just hit the 6-foot, 185-pounder hard as his family got caught up in the moment. 

"It was a very exciting time for me and my family," explained Smith. "My mom loves Notre Dame. It's a great school. How could you go wrong?

"My mom is big on education and she has always drilled that into me. Notre Dame has one of the best educations you can possibly get. Once you graduate from there, you're basically set for life. That was a big thing for her, aside from football.

"My stepfather was ecstatic. He goes to most of the home games, so he's always there. It was a great feeling and they were happy. I think he actually shed a tear, but I'm not sure. But I think he did." 

When it comes to his game, Smith believes his speed and football IQ set him apart from his peers. 

"I would probably say my speed," Smith said of his strength on the field. "I'm faster than most guys I go up against, so I use that to my advantage. Even when I'm going against a fast player, I believe in my technique and my abilities to make a play on the ball or my team. 

"I'm very football smart. Down and distance, I know how to play the game. I feel like I understand the game better than most people I play. I'm going to keep continuing to build on that when I get to the next level because I know that the level of play is going to increase and I have to increase my game. 

"I would also say my strength. I may look like a little guy on film, but I'm pretty strong in the weight room. You wouldn't think I put the numbers up I do. I'm really physical." 

The four-star prospect is also continuing to mold his game. One area Smith is focused on improving is not overthinking.

"Sometimes, I catch myself thinking too much on the field and I just need to go out there and play," stated Smith. "I feel I make plays on the ball when I just play and do what I do. I need to do what I've been doing my whole life.

"I'm about 6-foot, 185. I want to get around 195 this season, but also keep my speed. I want to be more physical. Most cornerbacks or defensive backs shoestring tackle and I did that a little last season, but I want to really muscle somebody. Building more muscle mass. I know there is more I need to work on, but those are the two I'm focused on." 

Smith holds one of the more impressive offer lists in the 2021 class, so his decision isn't going to be easy, but expect the Cincinnati native to narrow his recruitment sooner than later.

"I'm blessed to have offers coming from where I have come from," explained Smith. "It's just a blessing. I give all praise to God and my mom for being there every step of the way with the circumstances we had to go through and stuff. 

"I'm going to continue to seize the moment with the opportunities available to me and run with it."

When it comes to Notre Dame, Smith might be familiar with the program, but he's extremely close to new cornerbacks coach Mike Mickens. 

Mickens offered Smith at Cincinnati and the two have developed a close relationship. 

"That's my guy," Smith said. "The day he officially got the job, he called me. I'm pretty sure I was the first kid he called. He told me I was going to look good in that blue and gold - and green, and I was his No. 1 priority.

"Coach Mickens was the coach I talked to the most at Cincinnati. We always had a strong relationship. I'm happy for him and his family for the opportunity given to them.

"We're going to keep building the relationship and get over there to meet the staff. We're just going to go from there." 

When could Smith get to Notre Dame? Soon. 

I want to get up there when they get off spring break," said Smith. "I want to see the campus again and see some things I didn't get to see when I was at camp."