Football: Underrated Smith from Oxnard commits to Utah

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Jamal Smith is one of the top receivers, perhaps the best, out in Ventura County. But the senior from Oxnard doesn’t get the recognition he often deserves because there are so many talented wideouts spread throughout the Southland.

Utah, however, noticed the talented, 6-foot-2 and 190-pounder and recently secured an oral commitment from him. Based on his 31 receptions and 19-yards-per-catch average in his junior season, it looks like the Utes scored a sleeper recruit.

Several Pac-10 Conference teams, including Oregon, UCLA and Washington, expressed interest in Smith but failed to offer him a scholarship. I’m imagining he’ll use that as added motivation this coming season with the Yellowjackets.

-- Sean Ceglinsky