Just days before his most crucial game of the season, Josh Smith made a significant decision about his future. The Dutch Fork High School linebacker/defensive end committed to South Carolina on Tuesday, just three days before his team, the Silver Foxes, faces Irmo for the Region 4-5A championship.
“The opportunity to come in early and represent my hometown really drew me to South Carolina,” Smith said. “They’ve been recruiting me hard over the last few months.” Smith chose the Gamecocks over offers from Ole Miss and N.C. State. He visited South Carolina for his official trip during the Texas A&M game last weekend and went to N.C. State the month before.
“The visit went great,” Smith said about his trip to South Carolina. “I spent a lot of time with the coaches and saw things I didn’t get to experience on gamedays. I also had a chance to talk with Coach (Clayton) White about where he sees me fitting into the defense.” Smith shared that White envisions him playing as either a Mike or Will linebacker, similar to the roles held by Debo Williams and Demetrius Knight this season.
Smith becomes the 21st commitment in South Carolina’s Class of 2025. According to the 247Sports Composite, he is ranked as the 25th-best player in the state. He plans to sign during the early signing period on December 4 and enroll at USC in January. Smith initially committed to Coastal Carolina in April but decommitted at the end of September. South Carolina extended an offer two weeks before his decommitment, and Smith made visits to USC during the LSU, Ole Miss, and Akron games.
At 6-foot-2, 230 pounds, Smith has been a key part of Dutch Fork’s defense for the past two years. He was selected to play in the Shrine Bowl all-star game last month. “He’s a quiet player and leader with a real burst to the ball,” said Dutch Fork head coach Tom Knotts. “He’s a solid hitter and has a strong football IQ. He’ll be a great player wherever he goes.”
This season, Smith leads Dutch Fork with 55 tackles (12 for loss), seven sacks, and three quarterback pressures. Last year, he posted 63 tackles (20 for loss), seven sacks, and 15 quarterback hurries, helping Dutch Fork win the Class 5A state championship. The Silver Foxes are 8-0 this season and currently ranked No. 1 in Class 5A.
