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How about them apples?
Saivion Smith, the nation's no. 1 defensive back from Brandenton, Florida (IMG Academy) took to ESPN to announce his decision just days after visiting LSU for Junior Day. Smith is a consensus 5-star stud CB prospect. Corey Raymond continues to prove, again, that he's amongst the nation's very best recruiters.
You can watch Smith's announcement here.
Early this morning news broke that Smith would announce his commitment today, a bit of a shocker. A bit later, a conflicting report came about that Smith would not be committing, but actually announcing a top 5. Then just a bit after that, the report was further confirmed to state:
No. 19 in the #ESPNJr300 Saivion Smith will announce a top 5 and a "surprise" at 1pm. http://t.co/F7iaxSjndr
— Derek Tyson (@DerekTysonESPN) February 24, 2015
As you can see from the video, Smith announced his top 5, then followed that up by committing to LSU. When asked why LSU he stated he has a great relationship with the coaches, and his father is close to Corey Raymond. Then added, "also, that's DBU."
SURPRISE.
So what does Smith bring to the table:
New #LSU commit Saivion Smith had 10 non-offensive touchdowns as a junior. Incredible playmaker.
— Derek Tyson (@DerekTysonESPN) February 24, 2015
Tyson further compared him to a "bigger Tyrann Mathieu." Here are his highlights:
As I addressed in my Junior Day preview, spots are gonna be tight at DB and DT this class. If you got that offer, you should jump now, because the sheer number of elite prospects with legitimate interest in LSU means they have options.
Smith, quite obviously, is the very best one of them all. I cannot underscore enough how HUGE of a get this is for Corey Raymond, who is quickly broadening his stamp in Florida.
LSU has the opportunity to put together the nation's number one class next February. Smith is a huge surprise and a major piece of that puzzle. Can LSU hang on to the Florida prospect? That will be the tough thing to see as the season wears on. Smith's commitment jumps LSU up to no. 4 in the 247 Composite Team Rankings.
When asked after his commitment what it would take to overcome his commitment to LSU, Smith quickly responded: "Nothing. I'm 100% committed to LSU."