La Salle 2021 defensive back Devonta Smith verbally commits to Alabama

GREEN TOWNSHIP, Ohio — La Salle 2021 defensive back Devonta Smith announced Monday night he has verbally committed to the University of Alabama.

Smith, who announced his verbal commitment to Ohio State in mid-March, opened his recruiting last week and ultimately decided upon the Crimson Tide. Georgia and Michigan offered him scholarships this past weekend.

Smith, who is 6 feet and 185 pounds, is a four-star recruit by 247 Sports. He is rated the nation's No. 23 cornerback and the No. 8 player overall in Ohio in the 2021 class.

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Alabama offered Smith a scholarship in mid-February.

Smith had about 30 scholarship offers overall including the University of Cincinnati, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Michigan State, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Oregon, Kentucky and others. Louisiana State University showed interest, too.

"He can go play at the highest level and be developed on and off the field," La Salle coach Pat McLaughlin said. "He will most likely play corner there."

Smith, the Greater Catholic League South division all-purpose player of the year in 2019, had 38 tackles (27 solo), three interceptions and a fumble recovery last season, according to the conference website.

Smith, a Division II third-team all-state selection, also had 11 receptions for 271 yards and five touchdowns for the Lancers (13-2), who won the Division II state title.

"He's a big-time athlete on defense," ScoutingOhio.com director Mark Porter said this past spring. "He's just about better than every athlete he faces on offense, which makes the game easy for him. He has corner skills and safety size -- just the rare combination of elite ability."

The NCAA early signing period starts Dec. 16.

La Salle opens the 2020 season at Lakota West in the second game of a home-and-home agreement that was agreed upon in September 2018.