4-star TE talks future plans

Beaver fans have been sitting on pins and needles the past several days waiting to hear where Renton (Wash.) Kentridge tight end Caleb Smith would be playing his college career. Although the 6-foot-7, 240 pound four-star prospect committed to Oregon State in August, his recruitment had opened up as he explored other options.

It all started in mid-December when Smith took an official visit to Arkansas. In January, he took visits to PAC 12 foes Arizona State and UCLA and Beaver fans began to worry.

Smith isn't one to make quick decisions and he said choosing Oregon State wasn't a tough decision once he sat back and looked at everything.

"If you were to ask me if it was a tough decision after one of my trips, I would have said yeah," he said. "But I took a few steps back and it was pretty easy to see that Oregon State was where I wanted to be."

"I actually kind of knew a day or two before I left (to make an unofficial visit to Corvallis) this weekend," he said. "It was a great weekend and I was able to spend time with the players and other recruits and help recruit a little bit too."

With the re-commitment of four-star offensive lineman Isaac Seumalo and Smith, the 2012 class is shaping up to be one of the best ever in Oregon State history. Smith was quick to point out that rankings don't mean much.

"There are a lot of good recruits in this class, but that doesn't necessarily mean anything unless everyone comes in and gels and works hard," he said. "Everyone that I've met (recruits) have been cool dudes, but we have to stay ahead and gel."

Smith said that he spent quite a bit of time this weekend with new Beaver commit Chris Young, the LB/S from Arizona Western. Young was originally from Auburn, Washington and the two played against each other.

"Chris is the real deal," Smith laughed.

Smith confirmed that he will enroll at Oregon State for Spring Term and will be on the field when the Beavers start Spring Camp.

For now, Beaver fans can breathe a sigh of relief as Oregon State looks to push for a strong finish down the stretch. National Signing Day is February 1, 2012 and BeaverBlitz.com will have the latest from the recruiting trail.

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