Facing the biggest decision of his young football career, Jacques Smith has very little time to get a feel for the direction of the college program to which he is currently committed. The former Ooltewah High School All-America defensive end pledged to Tennessee last February, but this week’s coaching change created enough doubt that he came home Wednesday rather than attending classes in Knoxville as he had intended to do as an early enrollee.
Smith said he doesn’t know much about new Tennessee coach Derek Dooley but expects to talk to him this weekend to get a feel for the team’s defensive philosophy. He said he still considers himself a Tennessee commitment, but because of the uncertainty surrounding the program, also is considering offers from Alabama and LSU now.
His plan is to talk to Dooley this weekend and decide by Sunday night whether he will begin taking UT classes Monday or fill out the paperwork for a transfer waiver and enroll at one of the other two schools.
“Right now, I know more about his dad (Vince) than I do him,” Smith said. “But that was kind of the same way with the Kiffins. I knew more about Monte than Lane at first. It’s been very nerve-racking and crazy all week, and I think about it constantly.
“At Tennessee, I just want everybody that’s committed to stay put and not go anywhere. I want it to look like we’ve got a bright future, which we will if everybody stays there. I didn’t just choose Tennessee because of the coaches. I liked everything about the program.
“But I need to get to know the new coach’s plan, and then I’ve got a lot of thinking to do.”
Smith has taken visits to all three schools he is considering and added he is comfortable with the coaching staffs at both Alabama and LSU.
He said he had been contacted by coaches from all three schools this week and was given an explanation on the process of the legalities surrounding a waiver filed through the Southeastern Conference to transfer from Tennessee.
“There are some waivers I would have to sign with the SEC, but since this coaching change happened, I think I would have a good chance of being able to enroll at a new school without any problems if that’s what I decide to do,” Smith said. “I looked into it just so I would know my options.
“Those are the schools that have my best interest and I can see myself graduating from. I want to be in class somewhere by Monday. It’s pretty important to me to be able to wor kout with teammates and go through spring practice to get a headstart on getting on the field.”
During his earlier recruiting process Smith made two visits to Tuscaloosa and was one of the most outspoken prospects against playing for Alabama. However, he said the potential for early playing time and the fact he became emotionally burned out by the scenario surrounding Lane Kiffin’s departure from UT has made him more open to considering the Crimson Tide seriously.
He said Alabama coaches have told him he would likely play outside linebacker in their defensive scheme.
“I’ve never been a fan of Alabama or Nick Saban as a coach to be honest, but I’ve got to do what’s best for my career now,” Smith said. “They are one of the top schools in the nation and they are going to need linebackers. Alabama is where I would probably fit in best right now, because I’m familiar with their defensive scheme.
“But I’ve got to let the new coaches at Tennessee talk to me and answer some questions about what their plans are for me and where I would fit in. Basically I’m looking at depth charts and recruiting classes and trying to make this a business decision. Coach Kiffin made a business decision that was best for him, Tennessee made the best decision for their program, and now I have to do the same for myself.”