Colorado Buffaloes Pushing To Flip USC Trojans 4-Star Commit? Visit Scheduled

The Colorado Buffaloes are pushing to flip USC Trojans 4-star offensive tackle, Carde Smith. Here is why the USC committ may flip to Colorado, and what the Trojans will need to do to keep him.

Sep 14, 2024; Fort Collins, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders on the sidelines in the first quarter at Sonny Lubick Field at Canvas Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images / Michael Madrid-Imagn Images

On Aug. 5 the USC Trojans landed a commitment from four-star offensive tackle Carde Smith. The offensive tackle from Mobile, Alabama, was a big recruitment for the Trojans, but now the Colorado Buffaloes are making a strong push. Time is winding down for the class of 2025 recruits, and this will be a potential flip to watch out for.

On Sept. 22, Smith posted about visiting Colorado over the weekend on his social media. This was an unofficial visit, though it went well. Smith plans to have an official visit with the Buffaloes on Oct. 26. The Buffaloes will be hosting the Cincinnati Bearcats. Based on just the unofficial visit so far, Smith is intrigued by what Colorado is offering him.

Smith will be visiting USC again this year. He plans to have a visit at the end of November. The Trojans will finish their regular season facing the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at home on Nov. 30. This could be USC’s last chance to make playoffs and to get the four-star recruit to stay.

Sep 14, 2024; Fort Collins, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders on the sidelines in the first quarter at Sonny Lubick Field at Canvas Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images / Michael Madrid-Imagn Images

When it comes to Smith’s interest in Colorado, the lineman spoke highly about the constant communication from the school. Communication with him is important, but the school staying in contact with his mom has meant more. 

“Staying in contact with my mom — my mom plays a big role in the commitment, if she’s straight, I’m straight. If she feels like that’s a place I could be too, we’re gonna go with it, see what it’s talking about,” Smith stated regarding Colorado’s communication with his mom.

The communication altogether from Colorado is what has been the key reason for the potential flip by Smith. Though Smith committed to USC in August, Colorado kept in touch with the offensive tackle the entire time. That stood out to Smith, causing him to visit the university in September.

In addition to an NFL coaching staff, such as coach Deion Sanders, Smith is enticed by the chance of an early playing time. Smith explained that in Colorado’s pitch, he would not have to wait so long to start playing. The buffaloes do struggle on the offensive line and it is an important position of need. This is the same offer that the school gave former five-star recruit Jordan Seaton. Seaton has come in this season as a starter while being a true freshman.

Sep 7, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts against the Utah State Aggies during the first quarter at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images / Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

The USC Trojans also need to build up their offensive line. Smith is an important recruit for the Trojans and they will need to continue pushing to keep him. Based on the comments made by Smith, it comes off that he is leaning towards making the flip. USC still has time to keep him interested. The Trojans have already been losing class of 2025 commitments and should maintain strong communication with Smith.

While the Trojans still have a couple of months to keep Smith interested, the Buffaloes have the same amount of time to sway him. Smith is a strong player and his recruitment will be one to keep an eye on.

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