Former TCU switch Leland Smith arrived within the California juco ranks this previous summer season. To date, the 2024 receiver and On3 three-star prospect has encountered numerous success at Fullerton (Calif.) Faculty and is gearing up for a playoff run.
Within the early levels of the season, the 6-foot-4 and 200-pound bought a really feel for his new environment. Of late, the Texas native has displayed his skills on a constant foundation.
“We simply completed the common season 10-0,” mentioned Smith. “We begin the primary spherical of the playoffs this weekend and hopefully we will probably be within the championship recreation on December ninth. It’s been a great season up up to now. Once we began the season, everybody knew the caliber of participant I’m so we bought everybody concerned and unfold it round.
“My reps have been restricted at first to not let groups learn about me too early. However I’ve been selecting it up in shut video games and right here currently, I’ve had two huge video games. I had 152 yards two weeks in the past and had 112 yards the following recreation. After that individuals had me because the No. 1 juco receiver within the state.”
Smith started his school profession at TCU in 2022 earlier than making the transfer to Fullerton Faculty. Naturally, the juco scene has supplied an adjustment for Smith however he’s grateful for his alternative.
“The largest factor and the most important distinction is the sources,” Smith added. “Not as a lot is supplied to you however it has been rewarding and humbling to should go get it myself. I’ve labored onerous since I bought right here in July and it’s good to see my onerous work repay. I redshirted at TCU final yr, too, so it’s good to be taking part in once more. Plus, I’ve three years left (on the subsequent degree).”
Rated because the nation’s No. 6 juco receiver by On3, Smith has reeled in a number of Division 1 gives over the course of the season, as nicely.
“I’ve picked up gives from Mississippi State, Purdue, Washington State, Oregon State, Cincinnati, Coastal Carolina and some others,” famous Smith. “I’ve 13 gives in whole however I’ve not arrange any official visits but. Proper now I’m targeted on ending the season sturdy with my guys.”
Final week noticed Smith accumulate his first SEC provide through Mississippi State. Attributable to his earlier communications with the Bulldogs’ workers, it was a proposal that didn’t catch Smith without warning.
“I’ve been speaking to Coach Bump (Chad Bumphis) and Coach (Kyle) Schexnayder since early October,” Smith defined. “So the provide was not an enormous shock and I knew it was a matter of time. From a training perspective, they wished that stamp of approval they usually figured different colleges would leap on the bangwagon in the event that they provided earlier. Coach Bump was one of many first coaches to speak to me and it’s been cool to cut it up with him.”
Concerning State’s program, Smith has heard good issues concerning the Bulldogs from a former 7 on 7 teammate.
“I had a buddy – Jarnorris Hopson – that went there and we performed 7 on 7 collectively,” famous Smith. “He’s not there now however he mentioned he loved his time there. It wasn’t the appropriate match for him however he had nothing however good issues to say about Mississippi State.”
As Smith talked about, he’s placing his concentrate on chasing a championship. He’s anticipated to graduate in Might earlier than heading again to Division 1 soccer and doesn’t wish to rush his course of.
“I’m graduating in Might however I’m not certain if I’ll sign up December,” talked about Smith. “First I’ll take my official visits and do all of my analysis as soon as our season ends. Actually, the most important factor for me is doing my analysis to search out the appropriate match for me. Proper now I don’t have prime favorites as a result of I haven’t accomplished my analysis.”
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