Yesterday, InsideMizzou.com reported that Anthony Gatti had committed to Missouri after taking an unofficial visit. Today, Oklahoma corner back Xavier Smith, who was also in Columbia, has also given his verbal to the Tigers.
After making his visit, it all pretty much boiled down to one thing for Xavier. “The atmosphere,” he said. “If I do spend four or five years there, I wouldn’t mind.”
The 5-11, 180 lb. defensive back from North High School in Edmond, Oklahoma expressed today that his comfort level was always high and the entire Mizzou staff treated him well.
“I really felt comfortable in the two days that I was there,” Smith said. “I got to hang out with all of the coaches mostly, and I got to hang out with Weatherspoon, Blaine Gabbert, and then one more player.”
According to Xavier, the two stars Weatherspoon and Gabbert set his mind at ease. “They all said that they would be there for me, and that when they first got here all of the players took them into their arms, and made them feel less home sick.” Player comradery seems to be a big factor in Smith’s decision.
Another huge selling point for Xavier was the strength and conditioning program. “(Strength and conditioning coach Pat Ivey) He had turned down a job that he could have been in the NFL to do strength and conditioning here,” Smith evoked. “He just develops the players very well. Just as far as putting on weight and toning your body he does a very good job.”
During his visit yesterday, Xavier Smith spent some time with two other recruits, Anthony Gatti, who committed yesterday, and Aaron Colvin. “We actually all stayed together through the whole thing. Anthony ended up committing before I did. I know aaron from playing football in Oklahoma,” He said. With two of the three young players already committing, might Colvin be next?
Smith had been receiving heavy interest from schools all across the nation, and gained offers from Washington State, TCU, Wyoming, North Texas, Tulsa, Colorado State and Arizona.
Xavier also told me that even though he has committed to Mizzou, he still plans on taking trips to Vanderbilt, Kansas State, Kansas, and Nebraska. However, Smith said that he is confident that he will not retract his commitment to the Tigers. “No, I’m pretty solid on Missouri.”
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