TFA’s Smith headed to Mizzou

Orlando First Academy ATHKwadarrius “Kwad” Smith, the Florida Class1A100-meter state champion and a member of TFA’s 2012 state semifinal football squad, has committed to the University of Missouri on a track scholarship. He said he will also be a preferred walk-on for the Tigers football program.

Smith, a speedy 5-foot-9, 165-pound running back, slot receiver and defensive back for the Royals, committed to Mizzou on Sunday during an official visit to the Columbia, Mo., school.

“When I was up there, I was a little shaky about it at first. … Figured I’d be homesick and everything, but all of the coaches, football and track coaches, blew me away with howthey treated me,” Smith said. “I felt like it was a family and I was already a part of their family and I fit in just like that with the football players and track guys. They all showed me love and showed me they wanted methere.”

Miami ruling a relief to Harris

Current commitments in the University of Miami’s 2014 class were relieved last week to learn the NCAA would not hand downmore stringent sanctions against the Hurricanes. UMalready had self-imposed scholarship limits and withdrew from participation in two bowl games and the 2012 ACCChampionship Game. The NCAAfurther limited UM’s scholarships by nine during the next three years but did not tack on more postseason sanctions.

“It’s just a big relief, and I know it’s going to help out with the recruiting a lot,” Winter Park DETrent Harris said. “And I know the current players are probably real excited, and nowit’s going to be an extra boost for them this year.”

No. 7 Miami (7-0) will face No. 3 Florida State (7-0) during a big cross-state ACCrivalry matchup in Tallahassee Saturday night. The gameis set for 8 p.m. and will air on ABC.

The cloud of the two-year investigation for improper benefits hovering over the UMprogram was never really a concern to Harris.

“I want to play in the NFL and the program they have there and the coaching staff is the best fit for that,” Harris said. “But nowwe have a chance to play for a national title and that’s awesome.”

It’s interesting the way things have turned out for Harris, a lifelong Gators fan whomost figured would be wearing a blue and orange jersey at the Swampon Saturdays. Instead, he picked a situation that suited his potential pro future and appears to have made the right choice so far. Florida is not even ranked at 4-3 heading into the Gators’ big rivalry gamewith Georgia this weekend.

“Oh yeah, I feel very happy with my choice,” Harris said. “Everything happens for a reason.”