Smith commits to Cajuns

[NewsCopy]

Complete list of 2005 verbal commitments

---

Louisiana’s class now includes five pledges.

LOUISIANA La. — One of Rickey Bustle’s goals for his University of Louisiana football team is to improve the running game, and he took a step toward potential improvement Tuesday when he got his fifth commitment to the 2005 recruiting class.

Running back-wide receiver Derrick Smith of Dillard High School in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., gave Bustle a verbal commitment following a weekend visit to the campus.

“I pretty much wanted to commit there from the beginning,’’ said Smith (5-11, 175). “When I went on a visit that pretty much locked it up. I liked the whole environment, and I felt like I fit in good there.’’

Smith, who is listed with a 4.38 time in the 40-yard dash, chose UL over Rutgers as his final two choices. He is still scheduled to make a recruiting visit to Rutgers this weekend.

Smith played running back his junior year for the Dillard squad of coach Keith Franklin, rushing for 700 yards and also catching 25 passes for over 300 yards. He scored nine touchdowns during that season.

As a senior, he was moved to wide receiver and finished with only 14 catches on the year and two touchdowns, but averaged over 22 yards per catch. He also had two kickoff return scores and one punt return score.

“I felt more comfortable at running back,’’ said Smith, who will likely be used as a slotback in the Ragin’ Cajun offense. “I just like having the ball in my hands. I can take advantage of my speed and my ability to make plays.’’

The rest of the story

Dan McDonald
dmcdonald@lafayette.gannett.com

[DaddyCajun]

If you can not catch him you are not going to tackle him!!!


DaddyCajun!!!

[pablolasala]

We need some serious speed, this guy will help.

[Clutch0364]

He had interest from a few big schools because of how athletic he is and he can play a few positions. Michigan State had verbally offered him a scholorship early on but i dont think they ever fully went after him and he also had a little interest from Auburn. This is a big commitment for us and on anothe recruiting website they say that he can also play a little cornerback.

[J-Town Cajun]

I just read on one of the recruiting sites that one of the cajun commitments Derrick Smith went on a recruiting trip to Wisconsin this weekend and was offered by the Badgers. He states he is still committed to the Cajuns but is considering both the Cajuns and Badgers.
I hope he holds his word to the Cajuns but it goes to show the job Bustle and staff are doing. They were on this recruit months ago, and like many other recruits that are being offered by schools that we are not used to competing with. Things are moving in the right direction. Go cajuns.

[RedBug58]

I would choose boiled crawfish and pretty women over eating cheese and freezing my arse off.

[DaddyCajun]

Lets hope he stays committed to Louisiana!!!!

DaddyCajun!!!!

[studentfan]

Having someone like him commit here would be tremendous b/c of his deep threat ability. I also love the fact that we got someone over Wisconsin.