drjamesm said:
But,I know we will hold him a spot.
How very charitable.
I am always a little confused when people get mad at athletes who use their leverage, when if they had and were denied the same leverage in the larger world it would be seen as criminal.
Imagine, if you will, that you are considered the best in the entire country at a high profile skill that very few people can do at all. Not only are you considered by many to be the best in your specialty, but you are arguably the best available prospect in the entire sector of the economy. Would you not, if people insisted that you needed to make a commitment before the deadline given, laugh and point out that you will make a decision when you feel ready to make a decision, and not a moment sooner?
I don't get the impression that Smith is jerking anyone around for kicks. He'll make his final decision when he is ready, and there is not a program in the country that wouldn't gladly make arrangements to take him if he chose them. His ability gives him the perogative to take as much time as he feels he needs. While it might be nice for you and me, and might even influence some other recruit if he committed earlier, his primary responsibility is to make sure that he puts himself in a situation with which he is comfortable and confident. He seems to be well aware of this.
Not that what we say here really matters, but were it me I might even be a little annoyed to have people nagging me to squander my options and rush to judgement.