Lansdale Catholic OL Smith makes big-time college commitment | Exclusive
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The second time was truly the charm for Lansdale Catholic's Terrance Smith.
"I first tried playing football in seventh grade and didn't like it," Smith said. "And I almost didn't go back out for football in eighth grade.
"But I did, and I really started to enjoy it. I think if I didn't give it another try that year, I probably wouldn't have played it again."
A year later, after his freshman season with the Crusaders, Smith, a 6-7, 285-pound offensive tackle, received his first college offer. Then more and more started pouring in, and it eventually led to Smith committing to LSU late last month.
"I went to a camp at Rutgers after my freshman year and (head) Coach (Greg) Schiano called me into his office and offered me a scholarship," Smith said.
"I couldn't believe it, and my mom started crying, and I realized I really could play in college."
Rutgers, along with Auburn, Texas and Florida remained in the running until the end to get a commitment from Smith before he chose LSU.
"All of the big schools came in to meet him and talk to him," Lansdale Catholic head coach Dom D'Addona said.
"Alabama, Oklahoma, Penn State, Michigan, Notre Dame, Tennessee, you name it, all showed a ton of interest in him.
"It just came down to what was the right fit for him and it turned out to be LSU. I think it's a great choice and he's going to do really well."
For now, though, Smith is looking forward to his senior season with the Crusaders especially since he missed most of his junior season after tearing the ACL in his left knee during his sophomore season.
"We had a really good season last year, and I did get to play in a couple of games, including the playoff games," said Smith of a Crusaders team that reached the PIAA Class 2A semifinals.
"And I'm ready to go now for my senior season. I'm really glad I came to Lansdale Catholic and it's gone by so fast.
"I can remember being a freshman and just trying to get on the field. And now it's my senior year and we all want to have another great season."
Drew Markol covers local sports for PhillyBurbs.com. Support our journalism with a subscription.
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Lansdale Catholic OL Smith makes big-time college commitment | Exclusive
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