Deep Creek (Chesapeake, VA) tight end/defensive end Preston Smith is drawing interest from at least three FBS programs, including both in-state ACC schools. The 6-4, 240-pound senior, a 2009 first-team all-Southeastern district selection at defensive end, has several FCS offers already in the fold.

“Right now, he has been offered by ODU. They offered first, right before the Holiday break,” Deep Creek head coach Dave Waddell said. “Norfolk State has offered. JMU has offered. He has a visit set up with Virginia Tech on the 29th. Marshall was in yesterday. They’re looking at him. Chip West recruited him for ODU, so now that he is with UVa I believe he’ll get back with me about where Virginia stands on him. Marshall, Virginia Tech and Virginia are interested.”

Smith’s varsity experience has primarily come over the past two seasons, though he did see action on the varsity level late in his freshman year. A versatile player, he saw action at tight end, defensive end and defensive tackle this past season. He started at tight end and defensive end.

“He has good size. When he walked in the room, coaches would like what they saw,” Waddell said. “He could play a variety of positions on the next level. It depends on what the system is. Some like him as a defensive player. Some like him as an offensive player. They all foresee him putting on weight. I’ve heard some coaches say he could get up to 265 and others say 285. His athleticism allows for the possibility of playing several positions.

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