Tigers offer son of former Clemson defensive end

by David Hood - Senior Writer - Thu Jun 28 10:08:43 GMT-04:00 2012

Cannon Smith grew up watching the Clemson Tigers, and as the son of former Clemson defensive end Bill Smith - who played for the Tigers from 1977-81 - he has attended the majority of the home games through the years.

So you can imagine his excitement when he received a verbal offer – in person - from Clemson head coach Dabo SwinneyDabo Swinney
Head Coach
View Full Profile at Swinney’s high school camp a few weeks ago.

Smith is a 2014 tight end prospect out of the Hammond School in Columbia, a strapping 6-5, 233-pounder who drew rave reviews with his pass-catching and route running ability at Swinney’s camp.

He certainly got the attention of Swinney.

“It was the second day of camp, and I was leaving because I had to be home for a passing league,” Smith told TigerNet Wednesday evening. “We had finished, and he [Swinney] pulled me aside, and he said, ‘I like what you were doing out there. Keep working hard, and you will have a place on this team. I am offering you a scholarship.’ That was probably the best feeling of my life.”

His father, however, was sure that his son had misunderstood what Swinney was saying.

“At first, he thought I had heard the coach wrong,” Smith said. “And then he talked to Dabo and Dabo confirmed it. He was really excited about it. Clemson has been a part of my life since I was born, and the thought of the head coach of Clemson offering me a scholarship was one of the best feelings of my life. I was excited about it.”

Hammond runs a multiple/spread offense, and Smith caught 20 passes for 387 yards and four touchdowns last season. He played on the varsity his freshman season, but broke a collarbone and missed time.

Smith is also hearing from other programs, including South Carolina.

“I am hearing from North Carolina, South Carolina and Appalachian St.,” he said. “They have all shown interest. I have camped at both Clemson and South Carolina. After the South Carolina camp, Coach [Joe] Robinson [who coaches tight ends] told me he would be following me this season. He said he would be watching me.”

Smith obviously has two years of high school remaining, and said he is unsure of when he would make a decision.

“I am probably going to talk all of that over with my family,” he said. “I want to see who else is interested out there. Ultimately, I will make the decision that is best for me, I just don’t know yet when that will be.”

In the meantime, he said he will prepare for his junior season and hopes to use a lot of what he learned at Swinney’s camp.

“They go through a lot of the details you don’t learn at practice,” he said. “Things like your stance, and the little details that will help your game. They worked me hard in the 1-on-1 drills. That helped me get ready for this season and it will pay off in the games.”