BIRMINGHAM – Prior to becoming the head football coach at UAB, Trent Dilfer installed a multiple, dynamic offensive system at Lipscomb Academy (TN) that positioned versatile playmakers to wreak havoc on opposing defenses in route to winning back-to-back TSSAA D2-AA State Championship titles.
A recruit that could fit that description is Joshua Smith, a 6’4″ 215 pound wide receiver / tight end from Crandall High (TX). Earlier this month, Smith included UAB in his list of top seven schools:
Smith jumped on the Texas recruiting scene back in May 2022 when he received his first power five (P5) offer from Ole Miss. Since then, he has earned reported offers from ten other programs including: Oklahoma State, UAB, Tulsa, Sam Houston State, Memphis, Toledo, UTSA, Louisiana Tech, and Texas Tech.
Smith visited Tulsa, Texas Tech, and UTSA in the month of June. All of those programs are believed to be in a good position currently, but UAB is making a strong push.
In a June 5 interview with Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, Smith discussed UAB’s involvement in his recruitment and the potential sell on him signing with the Blazers:
At UAB, Smith could likely begin his career at wide receiver but could also be given the opportunity to impact the game in a variety of different roles including the possible move to tight end.
On film, Smith flashes a rare combination of size, speed, and athleticism that is a true matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. In 2024, UAB will be looking to replace Tejhaun Palmer who caught 30 passes for 479 yards and 2 touchdowns this past season and is primed for an even bigger year under first year play caller Alex Mortensen.
In 2023, Smith will look to build upon an impressive Junior campaign when he caught 53 passes for 771 yards and 8 touchdowns while helping his team finish with a 9-3 record and a second round playoff appearance.
Checkout Joshua Smith’s highlight film HERE from his HUDL.
Link to Smith’s 247 profile HERE.
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