Calvary Day School football standout senior tight end Michael Smith had his pick of colleges, with over 30 offers. But the talented tight end never wavered in his commitment to the University of South Carolina.
On January 24th, Smith verbally committed to the Gamecocks, and South Carolina signed the official paerwork December 20, 2023. He is ranked as the 
4th best tight end in the country by 247sports.
The 4-star tight end Cavalier put pen to paper to make his signing official in Calvary's gymnasium, celebrating with family, teammates, coaches, friends, and local media on December 22, 2023..
This past season, Smith helped lead the Calvary to another successful year. He made 33 receptions for 722 yards and 11 touchdowns, which helped Calvary win a undefeated Region 3-3A championship and makea run to the Class 3A state semifinals.
Mark Stroud, who is the head coach at Calvary Day School, believes that Smith has the potential to become one of the best football players he has ever coached. With an impressive set of skills, Smith could easily make it to the next level past college. Coach Stroud has been coaching for a long time and knows what it takes to succeed in the sport.
"I’ve been a head coach for 32 years and about five as an assistant. I don't know if I encountered a guy that's this big, this fast, this amount of football skills and this talented. I've seen a lot of really good players, but Mike is definitely, you know one of the best I ever coached, has all the ability and ingredients to be playing this game for a very long time."
Before signing, Michael answered a five question interview with the Prep Sports Report.
Prep Sports Report: Finally, signing day is here! What are your thoughts as you waited for this day?
Michael Smith: I almost feel like I rushed it like I already knew it would happen. You might see articles saying it was a dramatic decision, but it wasn't. I was just ready for it.
Prep Sports Report: After committing to South Carolina, were there any other schools that showed interest?
Michael Smith: Everywhere, man! College coaches are persistant, Tennessee, Auburn, and other colleges. But once I knew South Carolina was the place, that's where I belonged.
Prep Sports Report: You spent four years at Calvary Day School. How did it prepare you for the next level?
Michael Smith: Calvary isn't solely focused on football; it also emphasizes the importance of schoolwork. It's about no exceptions. You push yourself in everything you do. That's the program I needed, and it built me into the player I am today.
Prep Sports Report: Can you share your most memorable moment at Calvary Day School?
Michael Smith: In my freshmen year, I played scout team against Fuchess Lewis (Georgia State) and Terry Simmons (Duke) with future college players like them. Here I was, this scrawny 170-pounder, hanging out with guys who made it to the next level. I didn't know myself yet, but Calvary showed me my potential.
Prep Sports Report: Moving on to South Carolina, what position have they assigned for you?
Michael Smith: I'm still going to play tight end, haha! But seriously, I never thought about playing middle linebacker; they don't even have that position. Right now, it's open, and I'm ready to prove myself.
Prep Sports Report: Talk about your relationship with Coach Stroud. How's that been developing?
Michael Smith: Coach Stroud has been there since my first year. It's more than just coach-player. I can call him anytime talk to him, ask to work out on the field or do other things, and he's always there. He was always there when I needed him.
The Prep Sports Report wishes Mike all the best in his next step in his career.
Local Football Standouts Sign College Commitments Update:
- Austin Clemons (Bryan County High School) - Middle Tennesse State
- Bryce Baker (Benedictine Military School) - Georgia Southern
- David Bucey (Savannah Christian Preparatory School) - University of South Carolina
- Elyjah Thurman (Bradwell Institute) - Clemson
- Jake Merklinger (Calvary Day School) - University of Tennessee
- Jaylen Hampton (New Hampstead High School) - Western Kentucky
- La'Don Bryan (Benedictine Military School) - Northern Illinois
- Lorenzo Cowan (HV Jenkins High School) - University of Southern California
- Luke Kromenhoek (Benedictine Military School) - Georgia Southern
- Michael Smith (Calvary Day School) - University of South Carolina
PHOTO CREDIT: Prep Sports Report
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Optim Orthopedics supports Prep Sports and the following schools: Benedictine Military School, Bradwell Institute, Calvary Day School, Liberty County High School, Richmond Hill High School, Savannah Country Day, South Effingham High School, and St. Vincent's athletics. Benedictine Military School, Bradwell Institue, and Liberty County's team doctor is Dr. David Sedory. Dr. David Palmer is the team doctor for Calvary Day School, South Effingham, and Richmond Hill. Savannah Country Day and St. Vincent's team doctor is Dr. Thomas Alexander. Remember, Optim Orthopedics gets you back into the game.
