Shi Smith wants to help build program

Union County wide receiver Shi Smith is officially a Gamecock. The four-star recruit signed his letter of intent Wednesday morning, honoring the commitment he made during his unofficial visit in June.

Smith is one of five Rivals250 prospects expected to join the Gamecocks, checking in at No. 205 on the list. Fellow wide receivers OrTre Smith (No. 104) and Chad Terrell (No. 194) already signed their letters of intent, making the position a major strength in Will Muschamp’s first class.

The No. 2 prospect in the state of South Carolina, Smith is a key part of Muschamp’s effort to secure top in-state talent, as the Gamecocks landed the state's top six prospects.

The 6-foot, 170-pound speedster had offers from Clemson, Oklahoma, Alabama and others, but said he chose South Carolina over the defending national champions because of the opportunity to make an immediate impact and help build the program.

“Everybody from my hometown asks me, ‘Why didn’t you go to Clemson? Why didn’t you go to Clemson?’ They’re full of good players,” Smith told The State. “I want to go somewhere where I can turn the program around and showcase my talent.”

Smith showcased his talents at the Shrine Bowl, hauling in five passes for 96 yards, including a 43-yard score, South Carolina’s only touchdown of the game.

His best statistical year came as a junior, when Smith racked up 1,337 yards and a dozen touchdowns. As a senior in a more run-focused offense, Smith caught 47 passes for 609 yards and 10 scores.

Smith compares his game to Deebo Samuel, though he says he’s a bit faster than the rising junior, while saying that early-enrollee OrTre Smith plays like Bryan Edwards. If the two highly-touted prospects can perform like South Carolina’s current star wideouts, Jake Bentley will have a plethora of weapons for his sophomore season.