Mission Viejo Center Cole Smith Commits To USC Over Utah

Cole Smith

• Center
• Mission Viejo HS (Mission Viejo, CA)
• Ht: 6'3" / Wt: 270

The USC Trojans have an intriguing offensive line prospect in their midst. Cole Smith chose USC over Utah during his Signing Day special, while Pac-12 schools Arizona State, Cal and UCLA all made official offers. Smith initially committed on August 19, just eight days after his offer from Southern California.

Smith is considered a three-star prospect by Rivals, but his reputation rose among local scouts following an outstanding senior season for Mission Viejo HS. Rivals has him ranked the No. 76 overall player in California, adding to an already impressive offensive line class with Chuma Edoga and Clayton Johnston (who likely won't enroll until the fall as an advanced scholarship player for the 2016 class).

Welcome @coledsmith56 to the #TrojanFamily! Big time future center! Highlights: http://t.co/W0Kz6QWxLY #SCigningDay2015 #FightOn

— Steve Sarkisian (@CoachSark) February 4, 2015

As the son of six-time Pro Bowl center Doug Smith, Cole understands what it takes to succeed at the next level. His team reached the West Valley Division final against Vista Murrieta, eventually falling in the championship. The Orange County native was named a first team All-State performer by Max Preps and also an All-CIF offensive lineman.

USC's former offensive line coach, Tim Drevno, was key in Cole Smith's recruitment and coach Steve Sarkisian mentioned that adding a player like Smith would be part of the staff's plan to find players that best fit the system. Although captain Max Tuerk is returning, the Trojans would love to mold Smith into the rotation for the 2016 campaign.

For more information on high school recruits potentially choosing USC, follow our National Signing Day coverage throughout the day.