BEAVERTON, Ore. — Impressing a prospect on a college visit is a must, but it’s also important to do the same with parents.
On June, 20, Arkansas did just that while hosting highly regarded junior offensive lineman Trey Smith and his father, Henry.
Smith, 6-5 1/2, 278 pounds of Jackson, (Tenn.) University School of Jackson was just one of a handful or so juniors at The Opening held at Nike Headquarters. He has numerous scholarship offers from schools like Arkansas, Tennessee, Southern Cal, Alabama, Florida State and Miami.
After the visit to Fayetteville, Smith said he absolutely could see himself at Arkansas. His father also came away happy with the visit.
“We were very impressed with the coaches and their sincerity and the emphasis on being a good citizen and a good person and a good young man and focus on academics,” said Henry Smith, who was on hand for The Opening to support his son. “There’s no doubt with the philosophy and what I saw last season on the football field, Arkansas is a great place and a great opportunity for a person like my son to play SEC football.”
The elder Smith called Arkansas’ facilities “top notch” and liked the feel he and his son got while interacting with the coaches. He appreciated Coach Bret Bielema’s words on his wife’s passing in February.
“He’s very sincere in offering his sympathy in the loss of my wife, but also just talked about life and talked to Trey how to deal because he had lost his sister at a young age,” Henry Smith said. “He was sharing with us and that meant a lot to us.”
They were able to spend time with offensive line coach Sam Pittman.
“Their emphasis wasn’t on football,” Henry Smith said. “The offensive line coach spent a few minutes talking about football, but most of it was talking about Trey and being a good person which is more important for us.”