Local linebacker talks transfer, top five, pair of visits set

After three seasons at St. Frances, 2025 three-star linebacker Carlton “CJ” Smith has made the move back home to Maury (VA) where he’s closer to home and looking to end his high school career in a new uniform, but more importantly, on a high note. “I’m trying to win a state championship and ball out for my senior year,” Smith told IBG. As the 6-foot, 200-pound linebacker looks ahead to his new school, the DMV product took the next step in his recruitment last month after releasing his top five with Alabama, Maryland, Miami (FL), Notre Dame and Penn State still in the mix. “That’s where I’m at right now. I feel like those are my top five schools that I’m most interested in, that I see myself going,” Smith added. “The coaches, the atmosphere, what I have planned and what I want to major in. That’s going to be a big part for me.” Alabama offensive line coach Eric Wofford has led the pursuit for Smith so far and the Tide are in line to receive the next visit when Smith and his family make the trip to Tuscaloosa on Jan. 20. Smith will then head to Penn State on Feb. 6 with the Nittany Lions in hot pursuit. Penn State was one of three schools to host the local linebacker as he made the trip to Happy Valley to watch the Michigan game, while heading down to Miami (FL) the following week to watch them face Louisville. Smith had plans to visit Maryland for the Charlotte game back in September, but he was in College Park for the Penn State game in early November. Maryland has been able to take advantage of its early proximity to campus with Smith a routine visitor in College Park through the years, but it's been position coach and lead recruiter Lance Thompson who has left the lasting impression thus far. “That’s my man, coach Lance,” Smith added. “We’ve always had a good relationship since my sophomore year. Ever since he could he’s always been calling, checking up on me, telling me about the skills I can work on. He keeps it 100 with me and helps me with the recruiting process. He just shows a lot of interest in me and I have a lot of interest in Maryland. The scheme where I can make plays, use my versatility to play sideline to sideline. I like what they’ve shown and told me.” Carlton Smith is rated a three-star prospect and an 88 overall by On3, sitting as the 12th-best prospect in Maryland. Related Links

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