Newbury Park’s Smith Selects Arizona : Football: Record-breaking quarterback, who also will play baseball, looks to flourish in sprint-out offense.

All-American Keith Smith of Newbury Park High--the state’s all-time leading passer--has orally committed to Arizona, he said Monday.

“As soon as I got off the plane, I saw myself being there,” said Smith, who visited the Tucson campus Jan. 14-16. “I think there’s a real great opportunity for me there, and the academic facilities and support are great.”

The Panthers’ record-setting quarterback also took recruiting trips to Colorado, San Diego State and UCLA. Smith--Cal-Hi Sports player of the year--made his decision Sunday evening after returning from Colorado.

Sources said that Smith was the only quarterback recruited by Arizona. Smith said the football staff has agreed to let him play for Arizona’s baseball team.

Smith, who plans to major in communications, said the Wildcats’ offensive style was paramount in his decision. Arizona quarterbacks are typically gifted athletes adept at throwing on the run.

At 6-feet, 180 pounds, Smith fits the mold perfectly. He has an exceptionally strong arm and covers 40 yards in 4.5 seconds.

“I think they’re going to use my ability real nice,” Smith said. “They roll out a lot, which will let me get out into the open.

“I’m going to like that--a lot.”

UCLA also was initially high on Smith’s list, but he was unsure he would play in the Bruins’ system.

“I just didn’t see myself there,” Smith said. “All of their (quarterbacks) are like 6-3 or 6-4. . . .

“And I don’t know if they’re willing to change their offense for one player.”

Also ranked No. 2 nationally on the career list with 9,971 yards, Smith led Newbury Park to a 14-0 record and the Southern Section Division III title.

Smith, who has a 3.07 cumulative grade-point average, was selected both the Division III player of the year and The Times’ Ventura County back of the year after completing 66% of his passes for a state-record 4,244 yards with 40 touchdown passes and only 13 interceptions. He also rushed for a team-leading 774 yards and 11 touchdowns in 104 carries (a 7.44-yard average).

As a junior, Smith batted .347 and led the Panthers with nine doubles and 20 stolen bases.

Smith is the third player from the region to commit to the Wildcats, joining L.A. Baptist receiver Jim Romero and Westlake defensive lineman Mike Tetzlaff.