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VIDEO: Got questions for state’s No. 1 prospect? Post your questions for Washington DB Branden Smith

Why is Booker T. Washington’s Branden Smith rated as the state’s No. 1 prospect by Rivals?

Because the All-America cornerback routinely makes plays like this (click here for video). Washington coach Stanley Pritchett, who played nine years in the NFL, said it was “the best” high school play he’s ever seen. Smith (wearing the No. 1 jersey) catches the punt, runs to his right, changes his mind and takes a few steps backwards, then motors toward the left. Smith then sees a wall of defenders and makes the sensational move to circle around toward the right, and then takes off like a rocket down the sidelines.

Smith, who plans to make an unofficial visit to Georgia on Saturday for the Alabama game, said Monday night he has yet to narrow down to any favorites. Over the summer, Smith toured many colleges, including Clemson, Georgia, Florida, Florida State, Alabama, Auburn, and LSU.

The video was provided courtesy of Wendell Hale of Washington High.

Note: The AJC confirms that the first post on this blog by “Branden” is indeed Branden Smith. Feel free to generate any discussion or ask questions to Branden. Any inappropriate comments will NOT be tolerated.

Permalink | Comments (57) | Categories: Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, FSU, Florida, LSU, Other schools, South Carolina, Tech, Tennessee, UGA

Comments

Commenting is now closed for this entry.

By branden

September 22, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this

this is branden smith and i dont have a top college yet but i am still open to everyone

By jb

September 22, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

come to UGA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! win a national championship!!!!

By jb

September 22, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this

come to UGA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! win a national championship!!!!

By jb

September 22, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this

come to UGA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! win a national championship!!!!

By branden smith

September 22, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this

i like all schools rite now

By SteveBlackout

September 22, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this

Hi Branden, how much training time do you spend on increasing your speed? Do you do a lot of running or strength training exercises? hope to see you in Athens this weekend

By SteveBlackout

September 22, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this

Hi Branden, how much training time do you spend on increasing your speed? Do you do a lot of running or strength training exercises? hope to see you in Athens this weekend

By Coach Dodd

September 22, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this

Branden, Come be an All-American with Morgan Burnett at the greatest combination sports and academic school in America, Georgia Tech!! Play in your hometown in front of your family and friends in an exciting “new” program. The fans of these other schools will trash your city and call it the ghetto when your not paying attention, especially the “Redneck” nation in Athens. You’ll just be another “field hand” to them. Georgia Tech is what’s good and right in the world, and will help you develop into a well-rounded and educated man. Go Jackets! Go Obama!!

By charlie

September 22, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this

Branden,

Congrats with all the attention. Good luck picking a school. Go wherever you feel most comfortable.

By longtimedawg

September 23, 2008 12:33 AM | Link to this

Branden,

Great return you showed that speed. UGA sure could use a big time playmaker like yourself. Have a great year and stay healthy. Remember, its great to be a Bulldog on a saturday night!

By Down South Brothers

September 23, 2008 3:04 AM | Link to this

Represent the for the home team, the home state. The Red and Black. B. Smith is the type of dynamic playmaker that we need at UGA.

By M.A.S.

September 23, 2008 7:40 AM | Link to this

B, The theme song this year for the Georgia Bulldogs is “No mo Play in GA”. “We Ready”!!!! Please come be a part of a good thing going on in Athens right now. You are the number1 prospect in our state right now and you should represent your home state dude. Everybody’s looking at Georgia right now, even the haters… Which means everybody will be looking at you. Remember this hook; “My Brother what woud you say, aint no mo play in G.A.”

By Chris

September 23, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this

Branden,

Sick moves. I hope one day I am watching that in Sanford Stadium. I was wondering what position do you want to play in college? I know you are projected as a DB. And you just proved you can play special teams. But what do YOU want to play?

Go Dawgs!

P.S. have you seen the hotties at UGA? I think UGA is like 7 to 3 girls to guys. ha, that is what i would look for in a school recruiting me! Those freshman classes are going to be filled with like 50 smokin’ girls. Tech? not so much….

By GT45

September 23, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this

Branden, I don’t know if you are considering GT, but if not, take a look at it. CPJ and his staff are rebuilding a program and a fan base from the ground up, and you can be a big part of it. Come to a game sometime, and feel the excitement. You will have to have your head on straight and be willing to commit more than just your physical abilities, but I promise you’ll be a better person for it in the end! Now, I will sit back and take my shots from the dawg nation! Go Jackets-

By eljewell

September 23, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this

Alright Little Alum. Great moves. I am happy that you are keeping the tradition going at B.T.W.. I look forward to enjoying your moves at Lakewood and can’t wait to see you on the next level.

Now forget Uga and Tech. Start a new tradition at Georgia State.

No matter where you go to school, get your education.

E. Jewell BTW c/o 1987.

By RFP

September 23, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

Branden, We need you in Athens. If we had you and Reshad Jones in the secondary at the same time it would be a B.T.W. shut down.

Ask Reshad what he thinks about UGA and it should be a done deal. There is not a better atmosphere in the nation to play college football.

By RxDawg

September 23, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this

Hey thats pretty cool. You don’t see a recruit commenting on his own blog too often. Good luck in your career Branden wherever you go.

By Yokohama Gamecock

September 23, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this

Hi from Japan, Branden,

Fantastic play! I’ll admit that I’d love for you to look at South Carolina, which has put a fair number of DBs in the pros the last few years, and would probably offer early PT. Also kind of cool to go somewhere where it hasn’t all been done before- where you can be a first, and make your own a legend.

Regardless, choose a school that fits your needs, study hard, and always play the game the right way. I’ll look forward to seeing you on the field in the coming years.

And you tell Coach Pritchett that it’s great to see him involved with the game still. He was a classy player and a great RB!

By Ken

September 23, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

SABAN-nation Branden…perfect fit with the Crimson Tide. You can tutor under Javier Aerenas, the best kick returner in college football and take his spot when he leaves.

Watch the Tide roll Saturday night in Athens and here’s hoping you roll with the Tide on SIGNING DAY!

We had the top signing class last year…and might do it again if you join us.

Trent Richardson, AJ McCarron, and Branden Smith…the new kids on the block invading Tuscaloosa.

By Hal

September 23, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

Branden, Stay in the state of Georgia.

By Ramblin Wreck

September 23, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this

Brandon where ever you go. “Get your education!” Go ramblin wreck!

By dawgfacedboy

September 23, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this

Branden- enjoy your time as a recruit. Pick the school that best fits you and where you feel most comfortable. I’m sure you will be well received and will be cheered wherever you go. I obviously hope to see you in Red and Black but that decision is up to you. Good luck!

By branden smith

September 23, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

to SteveBlackout yes i do work on my speed i just do alot of running and rite now its working out for my speed i feel like im getting faster rite now but i no when i get in college i will be alot faster then i am now.

By branden smith

September 23, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

to everybody who wrote me: i just want to say thank u all for your comments and im very happy that yall looked at my video, and i just want to know if yall liked it or not. but still i just want to thank u all for yall support … and rigt now i like all schools and i dont know what college im going to go to but in the middle of the season i will have my top five schools so be looking out to see. thank u all…… also tell me if u think if i should be ranked #1 and if yall like that video?

By ludatripp

September 23, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

Branden, I know you look at things like depth chart, recruiting classes, team prestige, coaching staff, fan base, location, and facilities when making your choice on what college to play football for. I have one more for you to look at when trying to decide. Girls. If on your unoffical to UGA this weekend your jaw doesn’t drag on the ground because of all of the hot vajay-jay walking around then I would question your manhood. The campus will crawling with beautiful women who love star football players. I hope that our women help make your decision an easy one. Go Dawgs!

By branden smith

September 23, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

to ludattipp i feel u on that one but i no that i will like the girls up there but good looking girls going to be at all schools that i go to

By dawgthabootyhunter

September 23, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this

Branden, Come be apart of what Coach Richt has built at UGA. Look at his record. Look at the games we play in. He likes to play freshmen, if you go out and compete. Were gonna be needing DBs for next year. I think you will compliment our secondary nicely! Your a great athlete and I hope you choose to represent your state, in Athens. Good Luck Branden, see you in Athens!

By darren

September 23, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

Good luck with Your season. Hope You become a dawg and and play on national TV 7 TO 10 times a year. We can use Your skills and You will get playing time as a freshman.

By NikkiFree

September 23, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

Come to UGA, Branden. Little Bulldogs always grow up to be big bulldogs.!!!

By Chris

September 23, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

Hey Branden, I’m BTW alumni and I”ve watched you grow from a freshman to a senior. Keep doing what you’re doing. Stay in those books and away from trouble and the sky is the limit for you. I’ll be at the game against Carver fri. Let’s come to play yall got to much talent on that team we need this win. Tell the defense hit #3 and #24 everytime they touch the ball. I would love to see you and Reshad in the same secondary again. Good luck on the season and your future

By Brant

September 23, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

Branden- First off let me say that you should be #1 all the way! Absolute filth on the football field. I know you have a major decision on your hands, so man take your time and enjoy the proces. What would you say is your best attribute at the corner position (besides your speed)? Do you and Reshad Jones know ever talk? Keep doing work and hopefully everything will fall into place. ps: You can get an excellent education @ UGA without looking at a bunch of heffer’s @GT.

By Gator63

September 23, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this

Branden…heard a lot about you and been reading for next season. Look like the Gators could use you primarily on Defense…would you be interested in playing DB? I know they could use more tallent back there, and if your wanting to play right out of High School, Urban has no problem letting you learn quickly..What are your thoughts?

By Chris

September 23, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

Hey Branden, I’m BTW alumni and I”ve watched you grow from a freshman to a senior. Keep doing what you’re doing. Stay in those books and away from trouble and the sky is the limit for you. I’ll be at the game against Carver fri. Let’s come to play yall got to much talent on that team we need this win. Tell the defense hit #3 and #24 everytime they touch the ball. I would love to see you and Reshad in the same secondary again. Good luck on the season and your future

By Chris

September 23, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

Hey Branden, I’m BTW alumni and I”ve watched you grow from a freshman to a senior. Keep doing what you’re doing. Stay in those books and away from trouble and the sky is the limit for you. I’ll be at the game against Carver fri. Let’s come to play yall got to much talent on that team we need this win. Tell the defense hit #3 and #24 everytime they touch the ball. I would love to see you and Reshad in the same secondary again. Good luck on the season and your future

By taylor, reed, rolle, hester, kenny phillips

September 23, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

Dont go to UGA where db’s go to get fat and slow. Go to the U and be the next great Miami DB!!!!

By Lloyd

September 23, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this

Branden, I am a 1988 graduate of Washington High School. I wish you nothing but absolute success in the classroom and on the field. Remember to keep God first and be humble with all of the gifts, talents and abilities He has blessed you with and you will go far in whatever pursuits you choose to follow.

By dawgthabootyhunter

September 23, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

Branden, Are you excited about being in Athens this Saturday, with all the excitement of a great game Between the Hedges? What do you think of the back in black jerseys. You think you might want to sport one of those next year? You and Marlon Brown should just commit to the Dawgs Saturday and yall bring down tha house next year!! GO DAWGS!!

By Lloyd

September 23, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this

Branden, I am a 1988 graduate of Washington High School. I wish you nothing but absolute success in the classroom and on the field. Remember to keep God first and be humble with all of the gifts, talents and abilities He has blessed you with and you will go far in whatever pursuits you choose to follow.

By voice of reason

September 23, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this

Branden, don’t listen to all these UGA haters. You can get a great education at UGA and play for a MUCH better program and coach. Have fun in Athens this weekend watching two top 10 teams playing each other with a national audience on ESPN. You won’t see GT doing that anytime soon. That triple option offense that they run will be fading out very soon. Anyway, I have a feeling you’ll know where you want to go to school Saturday.

By AlabamaRamblinwreck

September 23, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this

Your video is awesome. I can’t say whether you should be #1 or not, but if you are not #1, then I sure would like to see the player who is better.

I hope you choose a college that is best for you. Your education is more important than football, and so I hope you keep what you want to do with your education at the top of your decision process.

Whether you attend Tech or somewhere else, I will enjoy watching your career. Good luck and God Bless!

By Jamal

September 23, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this

Go with the coaches you trust. Word of advice though- Tommy Bowden, Coach Napier, and Coach Miles will tell you what you want to hear (i.e. “you can play immediately if you come here”). My nephew just went through the process. Ask Big Dwayne Allen at Clemson on why he chose Clemson. They promised him immediate playing time and now he is redshirted. Just go with a coach you trust with strong morals and not telling you Bulls$#& just to get you on campus.

By Jamal

September 23, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this

Go with the coaches you trust. Word of advice though- Tommy Bowden, Coach Napier, and Coach Miles will tell you what you want to hear (i.e. “you can play immediately if you come here”). My nephew just went through the process. Ask Big Dwayne Allen at Clemson on why he chose Clemson. They promised him immediate playing time and now he is redshirted. Just go with a coach you trust with strong morals and not telling you Bulls$#& just to get you on campus.

By chipperdawg

September 23, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this

Hey Brandon! Great moves on the video!! Its that kind of speed and quickness that makes for exciting football!! We would certainly love to see you display your talents “between the hedges” in Athens! Its a great school, great football atmosphere, with proven leadership and coaching, capable of producing such players as Tim Worley, Champ Baily, Sean jones, Thomas Davis… the list goes on and on of the excellent DB’s to play for the Dawgs. And Brandon, I believe you have the talent and potential to be as good as we’ve ever had! I guess my question is, wouldn’t you just love to come and contend for the BCS NC every year here at UGA?! We’d sure love to have you! Oh yeah, be sure to check out the “Dawg Walk” this Sat. before the game! I think you’ll find it (and the whole gameday experience in Athens) pretty exciting!! GGGOOOOOO Dawgs!!! Sic’ em!! Woof, Woof, Woof!!!!!

By Kendall

September 23, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this

To answer your questions, yes, your video is fantastic. And yes, you should be number one. There are some great players in the state this year. Burnette, Ealey, Abry, Gilliard, Zach, Love, Dallas Lee, Moody, Shawn and Chase. Many others. But you are the man that can make it all come together. Come join ‘em and you can all help make UGA next years MNC. Go Dawgs.

By ChattHills Jacket

September 23, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this

Young Man there will many great moments in your life, but don’t let something that happened in your teen years be the best most remembered thing to happen to you. Shaking the hand of the DEAN of your college of studies as you get your diploma, holding your first born child, the KISS that makes you forget every other woman in the world but the ONE you are with, and the DAY you find the peace only Christ can BLESS you with. Take your time and make a choice that will help you become the MAN your MOM wants you to be and the MAN you can smile at as your look in the mirror to shave the face you can respect. Best wishes on your choice. Good Luck,God Bless, and continued Health young man.

By branden smith

September 23, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this

i just want to say to all UGA fans thats for your support and i see that yall want me to go to UGA and i understand thats because of the person and player i am. i no that UGA is a good school and they also have good coaches.but thank u for your support

By OptionBee

September 23, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this

Brandon, ignore the smoke that the Dawg fans are blowing at you, and keep your focus on your team and your senior season-one game at a time…and enjoy it! It will be gone sooner than you think! Make your decision on “your total person”, the quality of your degree, your family, your spiritual growth, your happiness,and the friendships that you will make.

You would be a great combo “A” back, kick returner, and DB! :) Coach Johnson has won multiple national championships..no one else has!

Best of luck!!

By Super Fan

September 23, 2008 11:51 PM | Link to this

UGA will be a perfect fit for you… that is their greatest position of need. You could probably start as a freshman,,, if not you definitely would get playing time and be astarter before your freshman season ends and UGA will be in the hunt for a national title in ‘09 as most of the team will be returning as sophs and jrs. with a few srs.

By beleiver

September 24, 2008 12:20 AM | Link to this

Branden do you have any talented underclassmen at washington and who are they?

By Dawg lover

September 24, 2008 2:00 AM | Link to this

Brandon…You obviously have a lot of God given talent and have worked very deligently to get where you are today. No doubt at your skill level you can choose your school to play. As you travel and visit the various Universities I think you will know when the fit is right for you and where you feel part of your extended family. I hope you will consider the coaches, your fellow teammates and most importantly the team itself by making your commitment once you are sure. I feel this shows a level of maturity by an athlete in allowing the coaching staff the opportunity of accessing and better knowing the needs to address in your recruiting class and concentrate accordingly. This is for yours and everyones else best interest associated with the program. What ever your choice I feel we will be hearing a lot of your name in years to come. Good Luck!

By Decatur Bred

September 24, 2008 2:10 AM | Link to this

I really hope that we can see more videos of you making big plays. You showed very good quickness and agility when you were in the traffic of the defenders. Once you came around the corner and headed down the sideline I pretty much knew it was a wrap from there, since everybody knows you have an elite burst.

By lamonte watkins

September 24, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

To all the Branden Smith fans out there, know onething for sure. No matter how good of a football player he is, he is an even better person and is going to represent some university well, on and off the field.

By doug

September 24, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this

i was at that game and you know you was pose to get hit that waqs the only play that changed the game and good job for making that play but you need to take charge of that defnse up there what was they doing and how did your line let number 80 from grady just take over the game he got to the qb everytime but i think you should go to miami and everybody you need to give grady some credit most of the team in the 10th grade they are a very young good football team to b 3 and 1

By branden smith

September 24, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this

to lamonte watkins i want to just say thank you for what you said about how i am a good person. when people meet me in person, then they find out how much of a good person i am and also football player i am, but thank u for your support.

By TECHY

September 24, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

Brandon—You should go to GA—You would fit right in with the other retards—By the way you spell right r i g h t not rite DA

By Tiger in Texas

September 24, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this

Good Luck to you wherever you decide to go! Coach Richt has very high morals for sure. Just where do you think he wanted his son to go to school? We could sure use you at Clemson!

By WinEmAll

September 24, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

TO BELIEVER: THERE IS PLENTY OF TALENT ON BTW FOOTBALL TEAM. THERE IS FRESHMAN #44 NAMED MICHAEL ROBINSON WHO WAS A STARTER AT THE BEGINNING OF THE SEASON PLAYING LINEBACKER AND SPECIAL TEAMS. AS A MATTER OF FACT WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE VIDEO, HIS BLOCK WAS THE BLOCK THAT SPRUNG THE TOUCHDOWN RETURN. HE’S A SMART STUDENT THAT WILL HAVE NO PROBLEMS QUALIFYING FOR THE NCAA D1 PROGRAMS.

 

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