Cole Smith commits to USC

Mission Viejo (Calif.) offensive linemen Cole Smith got a scholarship offer from the Trojans after visiting a Fall Camp practice. And it didn't take the 265-pound lineman long to commit to the Trojans.

"I actually decided yesterday but I wanted to commit on my birthday," Smith said. "I thought that would be fun."

It was not only a celebration for Smith but also for this USC coaching staff.

"I called them and they were in an offensive meeting actually," Smith said. "I got them all in one spot and I told them that I wanted to be a Trojan. Coach Sark (Steve Sarkisian) got really pumped. He and coach (Tim) Drevno were hooting and hollering. They were all really excited for my decision."

Smith is excited for his decision too. USC just seems like the right fit.

"There aren't many cons I see out of USC," Smith said. "I have family that went there so it's kind of a legacy we have. With the whole football thing, they're off the sanctions so they should be coming back pretty soon."

"It's a close to home and the alumni network is unbeatable," Smith said. "There isn't anything I don't like about USC. I know it's the place for me."

That's why the three-star prospect is finished with the recruiting process.

"I'm done," Smith said. "I'm only going to visit USC."

Smith's commitment is big for USC. they have plenty of tackles in this class and they need someone to hold down the interior.

"They actually plan on taking four tackles this year," Smith said. "They always usually recruit guards to play center but there's been some trouble with that. So they decided to recruit a true center. They told me like my tenacity and that I have pretty good footwork so they decided to pick me."

And USC expects him to make an impact early on in his career.

"They talked to me about a little bit last week when I was up at practice," Smith said. "They told me that they believe they could see me contributing my first year or maybe the year after when the player they have there graduates. He would mentor me a little bit and then I would go straight into it. Or maybe a little earlier if he decides to leave before his senior year. But it's a great opportunity for me to play early."