OT Mitchell Smith commits to Vanderbilt: 'I fit in with everybody'

Picayune (Miss.) Picayune Memorial offensive tackle Mitchell Smith will play football in the SEC. Over two dozen schools offered the 6-foot-4.5, 325-pound three-star and he has committed to Clark Lea and the Vanderbilt Commodores.

“It was just the better fit,” Smith told Rivals. “They offered me around five months ago and we have been talking every day. The coaching staff, the players, the atmosphere and the location were some of the biggest reasons why I chose Vanderbilt.”

Smith is the No. 29 prospect in Mississippi. He has visited Nashville three times and his best connection is with assistant offensive line coach Jeff Nady. He is excited to build on that and play for coach Lea.

“I have a phenomenal relationship with coach Nady. I can truly say I consider him family. Coach is a great man too. He is very honest and straightforward. I can respect that as a man.”

This is it for Smith. His decision is made.

“I am shutting it down,” Smith said. “My commitment is 100%. By the time I got up there, I could tell that it is home. I fit in with everybody completely, and it’s just truly a great place to play football at.

“I love the area and I love Tennessee in general. You can’t be Nashville.”