Signing Day Capsule: Vincent Smith

The quick as a cat running back from Pahokee committed to the Wolverines in August and officially joined the Wolverine family in January when he became an early enrollee.

Vincent Smith
Running Back 5-8/165/4.62
Pahokee HS (Pahokee, Florida)
NR: *** Position Rank: 102

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His Recruiting Story

Vincent Smith is yet another Blue Devil from Pahokee to join the Wolverine family since Rich Rodriguez's initial year as headman. Coach Rodriguez had already pulled in Martavious Odoms a year previously and was after Smith and teammate Brandin Hawthorne. The efforts were very impressive for Smith.

“I’ve always liked Michigan,” he said.” “I like the offense they run and how they run the ball."

Those feelings went a long way on August 29th, when Smith and teammate Hawthorne donned Maize & Blue hats at a press conference held at their high school. It was a perfect fit for both players.

“I had a long talk about it with my family and I decided on Michigan. I let Coach Smith know this morning. He said to call him after we’re done. He was excited that I’m going to be a Wolverine."

Though his teammate, Hawthorne, was always under some scrutiny as far as the strength of his commitment, Smith never heard that pressure. Everything was sealed before he trekked to Ann Arbor for his official visit when the Wolverines took on in-state rival Michigan State.

“The stadium… man,” sighed Smith when questioned about the most memorable aspect of his visit. “The game with all the fans going crazy like that… that was my favorite part. It was a little breezy (laughing), but I got used to it. I’m locked down. No more visits. I’m just ready to enroll early.”

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While Smith may be small in stature, his game is an entirely different story. His high school head coach, Blaze Thompson, waxed poetic of his former star.

"Wow, what a great player. Vincent Smith he is averaging over 150 yards a game. I would expect him to be a running back first and then maybe slot receiver. He is a back that can probably play both at the next level. He has good hands and can catch the ball out of the backfield."

Another one of the record number of commitments to enroll early, Smith will have a large headstart on other incoming backs Teric Jones and Fitzgerald Touissaint. If he can keep his cat like quickness and speed while bulking up for the rigors of a Big Ten schedule, he could easily see the field as a true freshman.