In the end, EJ Smith's recruiting process led to the place most people expected it to for months before uncertainty struck beginning this weekend about whether Smith was swayed to choose Texas A&M. It's rare nowadays for there to be signing day drama for Stanford but, thanks to Smith's last-minute consideration of several factors that are not a strength of the Cardinal, Smith provided some nervous moments for Cardinal fans.
Smith is the son of NFL Hall of Fame running back Emmitt and while that may have helped his understanding of the game, it’s his versatile skill set that made him a unanimous four star recruit and Under Armour All-American. When Stanford offered they viewed him as a Connor Wedington-type athlete who can realistically play running back or receiver in college.
Smith often lined up out wide for Dallas Jesuit but after he broke his hand late in the season he carried his team deep into the playoffs on the strength of his running ability. (He also suffered an ankle injury this season.) He finished the season with 905 yards and 22 touchdowns on 165 rushes to go along with 34 receptions for 513 yards and seven receiving touchdowns.
Smith will team up with Filkins to give Stanford two running backs who can do a lot more than just take handoffs.
Smith is the son of NFL Hall of Fame running back Emmitt and while that may have helped his understanding of the game, it’s his versatile skill set that made him a unanimous four star recruit and Under Armour All-American. When Stanford offered they viewed him as a Connor Wedington-type athlete who can realistically play running back or receiver in college.
Smith often lined up out wide for Dallas Jesuit but after he broke his hand late in the season he carried his team deep into the playoffs on the strength of his running ability. (He also suffered an ankle injury this season.) He finished the season with 905 yards and 22 touchdowns on 165 rushes to go along with 34 receptions for 513 yards and seven receiving touchdowns.
Smith will team up with Filkins to give Stanford two running backs who can do a lot more than just take handoffs.
