New USC defensive line coach Tracy Rocker brought more than his football wisdom and teaching skills with him when he arrive in Columbia from Tennessee. He brought his phone list, too, and he’s using it. One player he has moved on with the Gamecocks he started on with the Vols is DE Demarcus Smith (6-4 262) of Birmingham. The two reconnected once Rocker went to work for Will Muschamp and the relationship continues.
“At first, Coach Rocker was at Tennessee, and he ended up showing South Carolina my film, and they actually offered me before Tennessee offered me,” Smith said. “They are telling me that that’s the place for me to be. He likes that I’m physical and come off the ball, and they say I’d be a perfect fit in their defense.”
Smith has not yet visited USC but he plans to. He also has talked with Muschamp and he likes the feeling he gets from the Gamecock staff.
“The coaches are cool and I like the vibe with the coaches,” Smith said. “I think it’s an amazing place and I can’t wait to get my visit in when this corona thing is over with.”
Smith said USC, Tennessee, Mississippi State, Kansas and Ole Miss are the offers sticking out the most with him at this point. He also has Memphis and UAB in his top seven. He has visited Tennessee, Mississippi State and Ole Miss. Some other offers are North Alabama, Memphis, Georgia State, Southern Miss and Jacksonville State.
Smith said he wants to study veterinary medicine in college, and he’s also looking for a good fit from a football standpoint.
“That family vibe, somewhere like home, and a great support system,” Smith said adding he might sign early but he will not be an early grad.
Smith has not yet been rated in the 247Sports system, and Rivals ranked him the #37 prospect in Alabama.
