Football recruit announces commitment to Nebraska
P.J. Smith wanted to keep his college choice a secret until Tuesday.
It didn't happen.
The safety from River Ridge, La., revealed his decision to attend Nebraska on Monday, making him the 25th prospect to join NU's recruiting class.
Smith first denied reports that he had already made his choice.
"Where'd you hear that from?" Smith replied when asked if he had committed to Nebraska. "All I can say is that I've made a decision, but I can't confirm that."
Neither could his girlfriend, who declined to be identified.
"I don't know where he's going," she said. "All I know is he is going to announce (Tuesday)."
But Smith decided to end the suspense a day early, acknowledging his intentions to become a Husker.
"It's Nebraska man, I quit," Smith said with a laugh.
The blue-chipper from John Curtis High School turned down offers from Purdue, Southern Miss, Arkansas, Baylor and TCU, among others, according to the recruiting Web site rivals.com.
The site also ranks him as a three-star prospect and the No. 45 safety in the country at 6-foot-2, 205 pounds, while the recruiting Web site scout.com ranks him a three-star prospect and the No. 55 safety in the country at 6-foot-4, 190 pounds.
As a senior, Smith racked up 74 tackles and three interceptions. He was named a first-team all-state selection in Class 2A and also helped his team capture the state title.
Smith becomes Nebraska's second recruit from the state of Louisiana to join this year's recruiting class. Earlier this week, Shreveport, La. wide receiver Khiry Cooper committed to NU.
And while Smith said he will talk about his decision more "whenever people call (Tuesday)," he was willing to let Big Red fans know his decision to move to the Cornhusker state.
"You can let them know," Smith said, "it's Nebraska."
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