Kyle Smith has not yet started official varsity practice for his sophomore season on the New Canaan (Conn.) boys lacrosse team.
That will happen Monday.
But he’s already enjoyed a breakout season for the Rams.
Smith hauled in 21 catches for 447 yards to help New Canaan win the state championship in football.
The kind of athleticism on display on the football field is one of the reasons Smith became a target recruit of several of the nation’s top Division I lacrosse programs.
It didn’t take long for Smith to decide on his college. He verbally committed to the University of Denver last week, a decision first reported when it was made by Joe Lombardi on LaxLessons.com’s Lacrosse Insider premium coverage section.
“Growing up, I could never decide which I liked more,” said Smith, referring to football and lacrosse. “I decided on lacrosse in seventh grade, when I had to choose between summer lacrosse or summer football camps. The decision was tough, but absolutely well worth it.”
The 6-foot-3, 200-pound Smith is a righty with outstanding athleticism, speed and field vision.
Now, here’s a Q&A with Kyle on his commitment.
What were the main factors in your decision?
A lot of things factored into making my decision. I wanted to go to a school with a good mix of lacrosse and academics, which Denver provided.
When I went out there, I fell in love with the school. Not too many people, awesome coaches, and awesome players.
What other schools were you considering and what schools did you visit?
I didn’t consider any other ones.
What are your strengths as a player and how would you describe your style of play?
I think the strengths of my game are my transition play and my vision to find the open guy from up top. My play is best described as a get it and go type of game. I like to get the ball up and down quickly.
What area of your game do you need to work on?
My whole game could use work, but most importantly I need to work on my shooting and stick handling.
How did you get introduced to lacrosse?
I got introduced to lacrosse in first grade, when my parents convinced me to try out and play for the town team.
What travel team do you play on what showcase events did you participate in?
I play for the Connecticut Bolts, and participated in Nike Blue Chip and the National Invite 175.
Any final thoughts?
I would like to thank all my coaches and teammates. Marty Sands and (New Canaan High School Head) Coach (Chip) Buzzeo in particular.
I want to thank Coach Sands for coaching me from fourth grade through eighth grade always being around if I needed anything lacrosse related.
I would like to thank Coach Buzzeo, for one great season so far, and really helping me with anything from schoolwork to recruiting.
Additionally, I would like to thank my sibling fort always supporting me through all these years of lacrosse, and coming to games in some crazy places.
Finally, I would like to thank my parents for always putting up with my crazy lacrosse schedules. Whether it was driving me all around for lacrosse whether it was Connecticut, Long Island or Baltimore. I would also like to thank them for helping me decide on Denver and supporting me throughout the whole process.
Have a recruiting commitment to report? Send an email to info@laxlessons.com, contact Joe Lombardi directly at joe@laxlessons.com or send a Tweet to @Joe_Lombardi or @LaxLessons.
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