Smith showing he is for real

Top 15 prospect Howard Thompkins left Wesleyan High School in Norcross, Ga., for Oak Hill Academy but the high-major schools are still making it out to the Peach State school to get a set of eyes on guard Tanner Smith, one of the top juniors in Georgia.

Smith is relishing in the opportunity to show coaches that he is every bit the high-major player.

"When Howard went out with his appendectomy last year, I stepped up and showed that it wasn't just him. I think I proved to a lot of people and to myself that I can play at a high level. I'm ready to do that this year," Smith said.

Throughout the AAU season Smith showed that he is ready to play with the best of the best, coming up big for the Georgia Stars 16 and under program. Smith said he even surprised himself at times.

"It's a jump that I never though I'd be able to make. By the end of the summer some people said I was the most improved player since March in the state," Smith said. "It's been incredible but I know I have to keep improving."

Now he is seeing the fruits of his labors in the recruiting field.

Auburn watched Smith at his school on Monday. St. Joseph's stopped by Wesleyan to see Smith work out on Tuesday. Georgia is coming in on Wednesday and Virginia has a trip to Atlanta on the docket for next week. Stanford is making plans to see him as well. Smith said he is also hearing from Virginia Tech, Illinois, Wake Forest, Georgia Tech and Georgetown.

Smith visited Auburn for the season opener against Washington State and traveled to South Carolina for the Gamecocks game against Georgia. Smith said he will be back to Auburn this weekend for the LSU tangle and a trip to Athens is planned on Sept. 23 for the Colorado game.

Auburn recently offered a scholarship and joins James Madison and William & Mary as the only schools to offer a free ride. Smith says he is hoping to see more roll out this year.

"I hope they offer before or during my season. That would be great. I know everything is on their own time and they will offer when they feel it's right," Smith said. "Hopefully this time next year I'll be committed. I'm looking forward to the ride this is going to be until then."