LSP: Flying under the radar

LoneStarPreps will feature a prospect from the state of Texas who is 'flying under the radar' and take a closer look at their recruitment.

Smith hearing from several programs:

Bailey Smith, Offensive Tackle - Lovejoy (Texas)

Lovejoy is off to a 2-1 start this season and the talent on offense for the Leopards, with the QB committed to Houston and another WR committed to Washington, has attracted the attention of several college programs.

Bailey Smith, a three-year varsity offensive tackle for Lovejoy, is beginning to draw some of this attention on the recruiting trail but the 6-foot-5, 301-pound prospect has yet to receive his first scholarship offer.

"Things are going great, I'm still talking with several coaches and we are off to a good start at Lovejoy this season," Smith said. "I actually received an invitation from Arkansas to attend their game against Texas Tech this past weekend. My Dad and I went up there for the game, and we had a really good time. The visit was great. I met with the coaches and toured all of the facilities.

"We didn't discuss an offer, but the coaches want to stay in touch through the season. A lot of coaches like my size and my highlights, but I'm still waiting on that first offer. Coaches from Arizona State, Texas Tech, Virginia, Texas State, UNLV and North Texas have all stayed in touch with me lately and I still receive mail from several other programs."

Although the offers are not there now, one Big12 program and coaching staff has started to standout for Smith.

"I'm probably the closest with Coach (Lee) Hays, the offensive line coach from Texas Tech," Smith said. "We have a good relationship and he is very open with me about their recruiting class, what he needs and the possibility of a scholarship offer. Coach Hays and I actually talked about grayshirting at Texas Tech. He also asked me about graduating early, but I'm still discussing that with my counselor at school.

"I went up to Lubbock this summer and worked out at a camp they were having. That's where I met Coach Hays and the other coaches at Texas Tech. As far as the grayshirt opportunity, I'm open to it. There is still a lot of time left, but it could end up being a great opportunity."

LoneStarPreps contributor and longtime Rivals analyst for RedRaiderSports, the Texas Tech site, Will McKay watched Smith in action at the on-campus camp in Lubbock this summer and offered his thoughts on Smith as a prospect.

"Smith is a big boy, with an extremely wide frame and all the size measurables you could want. He also moves well for his size, sitting into his pass pro and moving well laterally. He's still very young for his classification, too, and there's a ton of room for him to develop and grow." -McKay