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Aggies Flip 4-Star LB, USC 'Silent Commit' Tyanthony Smith

Texas A&M defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin didn't hold back when meeting with Tyanthony Smith, letting him know that the Aggies were all-in on wanting to bring his talents to Kyle Field.

Matt Guzman

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When the Texas A&M Aggies recruit, they recruit hard. 

That's why coach Jimbo Fisher added yet another piece to his 2024 recruiting class in four-star linebacker Tyanthony Smith, the player announced Friday evening.

Smith chose the Aggies over Oklahoma, USC, Alabama and Arizona State, though there's more to the story than just a simple "one or the other" decision. Fisher may be the head of the recruiting snake, but it was Texas A&M defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin who got the job done for the Aggies. 

“Coach Durkin and I have had that close relationship and he’s recruited me like no other," Smith told On3. "I told coach Durkin I silently committed to USC and he looked me in the eyes and said ‘I don’t care. We’re still going to recruit you.'" 

"Once he said that I knew that it was time.”

Had Smith gone to the Trojans, he would have likely found success. His ability to succeed regardless of surroundings is just what he brings to college football and a big reason why he was recruited by the nation's top programs. 

But the Aggies offered the young linebacker something that couldn't be monetized, nor measured on the field. 

"[Staying close to home] means a lot," Smith said. "It’s more convenient for [my family] ... we’re big on playing for where we come from. I trust A&M and what they’re doing with their program, [and] I want to be a part of that." 

Standing at 6-1 and weighing in at 205 pounds, Smith will join the Aggies' defense and will look to make an instant impact, which considering Durkin's recruiting approach, is likely to be a big one. 

And when Smith takes the field for the first time as an Aggie, he can count on his family being there, wishing him luck as he begins his collegiate career.

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Matt Guzman
MATT GUZMAN

Matt Guzman is a sports journalist and storyteller from Austin, Texas. He serves as a credentialed reporter and site manager for San Antonio Spurs On SI and a staff writer for multiple collegiate sites in the same network. In the world of professional sports, he is a firm believer that athletes are people, too, and intends to tell stories of players and teams’ true, behind-the-scenes character that otherwise would not be seen through strong narrative writing, hooking ledes and passionate words.

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