Offensive tackle Donovan Smith never lived in Pennsylvania, but the native New Yorker said he still grew up watching the Nittany Lions.
"I have a lot of family that lives in the Poconos, so I was big on Penn State," said the junior, who transferred to Owings Mills (Md.) High after his freshman year. "My family, they watch Penn State a lot, so I always wanted to go to Penn State. That was one of my first choices."
The 6-foot-6, 284-pound prospect had an injury-shortened sophomore season. But, as a junior, he helped the Golden Eagles overcome a 50-game losing streak. They finished 3-6 this past season.
Since the U.S. Army National Combine, interest has started to snowball for the left tackle. He finished No. 2 in his group, "so after coaches and stuff started hearing that, it just blew up," Smith added.
He did garner some attention during the season, however. Alabama invited him to its Nov. 7 contest against LSU — and Smith's family drove 13 hours to watch.
Regardless, Smith said, his top three schools at this point are Penn State, Maryland and West Virginia. He's already been offered by the Terps and Mountaineers (in addition to Virginia Tech, Duke and, in all likelihood, soon from Connecticut).
The Lions have yet to offer, but assistant coach Larry Johnson stopped by about two weeks ago to speak with Owings Mills coach Steve Lurz.
"They're in the process of getting game tape and all, so I haven't heard back from him since," Lurz said, adding he has a feeling he will in the near future.
Lurz believed Smith was going to be a scholarship-type player since he stepped foot on the practice field. Granted, Lurz said, he never imagined his star offensive lineman would be receiving so much attention so quickly.
Since mid-January, Lurz has hosted numerous coaches: Pitt, Michigan, Virginia, Boston College, Penn State.
"It came a little off-guard, but he's working for it," Lurz said.
Smith, who also sees time at defensive tackle, has already formed a general idea of what he wants in a college: good academics, a strong football program and nice facilities.
"The weight room's important because basically I'm going to be living in the weight room," Smith added.
He hasn't yet visited Happy Valley, but he said he might attend a future camp. Chances are, he said, he'll make it to Penn State. "I like their tradition," he added.
Johnson visits Maryland prospect
