As concern continued to grow about IU football’s lack of commitments in the 2016 class, Cincinnati lineman Ryan Smith announced Tuesday he will continue his academic and athletic career at IU.
He is the second commitment for IU, joining fellow Cincinnati native quarterback Peyton Ramsey. Smith plays at Archbishop Moeller High School, considered a power program in the area.
Moeller won back-to-back state championships in 2012 and 2013.
He had 18 tackles and five sacks in 14 games last season.
Smith and Ramsey have talked about his recruitment, and Smith said they briefly talked right after his commitment.
“We are really excited,” Smith said. “We are going to get after it and try to get some more 2016 recruits to come to Indiana.”
Smith is listed at 6-foot-4 and 280 pounds and can play on both the offensive and defensive lines. He said IU expects him to begin on defense, but the team is open-minded to him switching to offense if ?need be.
He considers his strength and his reach to be his greatest assets on the football field, but also said he provides quickness to a team.
Smith said Pittsburgh, Wisconsin and IU were the most avid in recruiting him. He has been going to games and visiting since his sophomore year and said IU felt like home.
Brody Miller
