Wes Smith Signs With Villanova

After playing for former Villanova running back Roger Harriot at Florida's University School, the 5-11, 170-pound Wesley Smith will head to his coach's alma mater to play (most likely) safety. Smith covers the 40-yard dash in around 4.5 seconds, and can use that speed both to make plays in coverage and to attack on the blitz.

Both major recruiting sites, Rivals and Scout.com, rate Smith as a two-star prospect at defensive back. He reportedly held offers from Georgia State (Sun Belt), Utah State (Mountain West) and Toledo (MAC) in addition to other FCS programs when he pulled the trigger for the Wildcats in December.

Smith had committed to play for Toledo back in August, but backed off of that commitment and opened things up before choosing the Wildcats later in the process.

Special teams coordinator and defensive line coach Roc Bellantoni was responsible for covering the recruiting territory in the Sunshine State.

With Ronnie Akins and Eric Loper leaving the program this spring, the Wildcats have some openings in the secondary of their 3-3-5 defensive scheme. Even if a player like Smith isn't able to start right away, the sheer numbers called for by the system offer opportunities for a player with speed and instincts to see chances to get on the field.

Highlights

Stay tuned to our Villanova National Signing Day StoryStream for information on all the new Wildcat recruits!