The next multisport athlete at Clemson?

by Nikki Hood - Staff Writer - Tue Jan 31 12:01:33 GMT-04:00 2012

LaChaston Smith LaChaston Smith
Outside Linebacker
6-1, 215
Statesville, NC
View Full Profile is exactly the type of linebacker that new defensive coordinator Brent Venables is looking for.

The 6’1, 215-pound junior linebacker out of Statesville (South Iredell), NC is a self-proclaimed bully on the field and tough guy.

“When I’m on the field, I’m a bully and Coach Venables likes that about me,” Smith told TigerNet Sunday evening. “He said that he felt like I am in an elite group of linebackers. He said that I tackle well and play tough and that’s what he’s looking for at Clemson.”

As a junior, Smith tallied 82 tackles. 12 tackles for loss, one sack, two interceptions, and recovered one fumble in a season cut short by a broken foot. During his sophomore campaign, he had 99 tackles, 24, tackles for loss, seven sacks, and three fumble recoveries.

Not only is he a force to be reckoned with on the football field, but Clemson basketball coach Brad BrownellBrad Brownell
Head Coach
View Full Profile has also taken note of his athleticism.

“I want to try to play both football and basketball,” Smith said. “Coach Brownell and the basketball staff brought me down for visits. They said that they felt like I’m an all-around good athlete.”

Smith averaged 16 points a game as a forward on the South Iredell Vikings' basketball team.

Smith has been a frequent visitor to the Clemson campus and considers Death Valley to be one of a kind.

“I’ve already been to Clemson four times and I hope to get down there as many more times as I can,” Smith said. I went to the Virginia (2009) and the UNC (2011) games and I’ve been down for two basketball games. Death Valley and the atmosphere in Clemson is one of a kind. They have a cultural thing down there that’s just fun to be in.”

Smith has received football offers from East Carolina, Florida, Virginia and Wake Forest, but if fan bases and video games have anything to do with his decision Clemson will be a factor.

“I don’t have a favorite recruiting wise right now, but as far as fan bases go my favorites are Clemson and Florida,” Smith said. “I play as them a lot in video games.”

Smith's Sophomore Highlights