Three Dillon Wildcats signed on to play college football on National Signing Day on Wednesday.
Kwinton Smith signs on with the University of South Carolina. Left to right: Milton Buie, father; Chal Smith, grandfather; Kwinton Smith; Shirley Smith, mother; and Linda Roberts, aunt. (Photo by Johnnie Daniels/THE DILLON HERALD. Click to view at full size.))
The 6-foot-4, 205-pound Smith caught 34 passes for 564 yards and 10 touchdowns in his senior year. Among many athletic honors, he was selected to play in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas and the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl.
Dillon High School Head Coach Jackie Hayes describes him as “the ultimate team player,” and added that he “excels at perimeter blocking.”
“He’s going to play in the SEC, which in my opinion is the top conference in the nation.”
In addition to football, Smith has been an outstanding baseball player for the Wildcats as a centerfielder and pitcher. When he verbally committed, Smith said he had also spoken with USC coach Ray Tanner about the possibility of playing baseball for the Gamecocks as well. He also recently joined the basketball team for the first time in his high-school career, averaging 11.3 points in his first three games.
Smith said his decision to commit to USC was based partially on his relationship with the coaches, and noted that it would also allow him to remain close to his family and his home state. He credits his grandfather with his decision to play football, saying that he was always more interested in baseball but that his grandfather, Chad Smith, had gotten him interested in playing football. He said his coaches and family were all very persuasive in getting him into the sport.
“One of the best things in my life has been playing on the Dillon High Wildcats team,” he said. “The players always have your back.”
Two of his fellow players also signed deals with community colleges on Wednesday.
Kevin “Juice” Lynch signs with Hutchinson Community College. Left to right: Delores Harley, grandmother; Sheila Harley, aunt; Kevin Lynch; and Denise Harley, mother. Standing: Fitzgerald Lytch, mentor; and Thomas Harley, grandfather. (Photo by Johnnie Daniels/THE DILLON HERALD. Click to
“I’m very excited to be playing at the college level,” he said. “I’ve got to get busy. I’m ready for it.”
Archie Gilchrist also signed on Wednesday to play for Dodge City Community College in Kansas. Gilchrist played all four years of his high school career and appeared in 59 of 60 games. Gilchrist also played in the North-South game where he anchored the South team’s defense.
Archie Gilchrist signs with Dodge City Community College. Left to right: Archie Gilchrirst, Sr., father; Archie Gilchrist, Jr.; and Katina Carmichael, mother. (Photos by Johnnie Daniels/THE DILLON HERALD. Click to view at full size.)
“I’ll really miss all three of these players,” he added.
Dillon still has plenty of talent waiting with several other players already fielding offers to play college football. Jabril Solomon is expected to sign to play for East Carolina, and the 2013 class includes D.J. Park, Bryce King, Jabo Lee, and Brendan Alford, who all have multiple offers from Division I schools. Park has already verbally committed to USC, and sophomore linebacker Joe Blue already has an offer from USC for 2014.
