Devonta Smith Tweets Top 10: Which Schools Have Best Chance to Land 4-Star WR?

Credit: 247Sports

Former Georgia Bulldogs commit Devonta Smith ^[1] still has substantial SEC flare in his recruitment, further reinforced by a list of favorites the 4-star wide receiver released Wednesday morning.

The lauded Louisiana prospect posted a lengthy collection of favored universities on Twitter, presenting positive news for 10 college programs:

I would like to thank all the athletic programs for the opportunity to play football at their university !
Top 10 pic.twitter.com/X3Pf1J8GfU ^[2]
— Devonta Smith (@Smityyy03) April 27, 2016 ^[3]

Smith's group of primary suitors features five SEC schools, representing half the list. His top options include Alabama, Baylor, Florida, Florida State, LSU, Miami, Mississippi State, Nebraska, Notre Dame and Tennessee.

He initially pledged to Georgia last August but backed off that verbal commitment approximately a month after former Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart replaced longtime Bulldogs head coach Mark Richt ^[4]. Given the presence of several SEC squads here, there's a chance he'll ultimately end up in Athens as a member of the visitors' sideline.

Rated No. 13 nationally among receivers and No. 77 overall in 247Sports' composite rankings, Smith is considered one of the Southeast region's most prized offensive playmakers. Earlier this month, the Amite High School junior earned positional MVP honors at The Opening's New Orleans regional and received an invitation to national finals in July at Nike's world headquarters.

Shortly before competing at the regional showcase, Smith spent time taking a closer look at LSU in Baton Rouge. The Tigers clearly covet this in-state standout, leaning on first-year receivers coach Dameyune Craig to spearhead those efforts.

Smith's trips to watch LSU compete during spring camp helped him forge a stronger bond with the former Auburn assistant.

"It's been going good, and that means a lot because it's your position coach," he told Sam Spiegelman ^[5] of SEC Country. "I like the way he pushes the receivers."

The Tigers passing attack has sputtered in recent years, with no player reaching 50 receptions in a season since current NFL stars Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry both accomplished the feat in 2013. Despite this lack of production, LSU managed to sign three 4-star receivers in its 2016 recruiting class and could eventually lure Smith to campus with signs of aerial improvement this fall.
^[6]

Rival Alabama aims to reach into neighboring territory for another lauded Louisiana product. The Crimson Tide signed 4-star cornerback Shyheim Carter ^[9], a close friend of Smith, according to Drew Champlin ^[10], last winter.

Head coach Nick Saban ^[11] has welcomed Smith to campus multiple times, most recently placing him in the bleachers for Alabama's spring game. In terms of rapport between staff members and the recruit, Alabama appears to be a stride ahead of LSU because of relationship longevity with receivers coach Billy Napier.

"We have a good relationship with me going to their camps since the eighth grade," Smith told Champlin. "I've been talking to him ever since. He's a good man, good teacher and someone I can relate to."

The Crimson Tide have concentrated on receiver as a priority position throughout early stages of the 2017 cycle, pushing the program into the mix for several standout pass-catchers. At this stage, Saban and offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin ^[12] can feel confident about their place among Smith's hierarchy of choices.

Alabama currently dominates his 247Sports "crystal ball ^[13]," claiming commitment projections from all 11 experts' predictions.

SB Nation Recruiting pointed out the Seminoles as a significant contender here:

Superstar WR Devonta Smith says Alabama and Florida State are two schools he knows for sure would make a top three if he had to list it.
— SB Nation Recruiting (@SBNRecruiting) April 10, 2016 ^[14]

Smith clearly isn't ready to trim his list down to three universities at this stage and left his top 10 unordered, but he places Florida State at or near the top of an offer sheet that features more than 20 schools.

The Seminoles have done an excellent job stockpiling quarterback talent under Jimbo Fisher, who also shows a willingness to immediately implement impressive young players. Running back Dalvin Cook and wide receiver Travis Rudolph became instant offensive mainstays upon arrival in Tallahassee as members of Florida State's 2014 recruiting class, and both could potentially bolt for the NFL after their junior campaigns.

The Seminoles extended an offer in February, joining this pursuit slightly later than other programs in the picture. Though rivals Florida and Miami join Florida State in Smith's top 10, odds are in favor of his landing in Tallahassee if he ends up continuing his career in the Sunshine State.

Which team is most likely to land 4-star WR Devonta Smith?

At this point, there is no established timetable for a commitment decision, and this recruitment could stretch deep into the season and perhaps beyond it. Expect official visits to play a key role as things progress.

Smith, who stands 6'1", 160 pounds, was a Louisiana all-state selection last fall, according to Kelly McElroy ^[15] of the Advertiser. He surpassed 900 receiving yards and scored 13 touchdowns.

Tyler Donohue is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports ^[16]' composite ratings. Follow Tyler via Twitter: @TDsTake ^[17].