Ready to report: Brandon Smith

A big, athletic wide receiver, Brandon Smith might be the missing piece in Iowa’s passing game. The opportunity is clearly there for a true freshman to come in and earn playing time this year and Smith hopes to make the most of it. We caught up with the 6-foot-3, 200-pound Smith, who will wear #12 for the Hawkeyes, to discuss his upcoming freshman year and much more.

Q: When do you make the move to Iowa City this summer?

SMITH: I move in June 11th.

Q: What are you looking forward to in starting workouts with the team?

SMITH: I'm looking forward to competing, getting better, and reaching my full potential

Q: What are your goals for your freshman year?

SMITH: Just earn a spot on the field and perform the best I can.

Q: What have the coaches said? Is there a chance a freshman could end up starting at wide receiver this year?

SMITH: Anything is possible. I'm just going work hard and try to earn a spot.

Q: What are your thoughts or what have you heard about the new offense under Brian Ferentz?

SMITH: I haven't thought about it yet, but I trust in all of my coaches.

Q: What will it mean to you to walk out of the tunnel at Kinnick Stadium for the first time?

SMITH: It will mean a lot. I will be excited, anxious, and nervous all at once.

Q: When you look back at everything, what was it about Iowa that made it the right place for you?

SMITH: I wanted to go somewhere where I felt I could fit in and where I was needed.

Q: How big of a role did Coach Bell play in all of it and what is your relationship like with him?

SMITH: He was the first person on the coaching staff I met. We're from the same area. He actually came to my state track meet last week and we still talk a lot. I think it will be the same when I move up there.

Q: How did it go at state track?

SMITH: I won state in the high jump. My best for the year was 6’8”.

Q: Lastly, what number are you wearing at Iowa and what is your height and weight at right now?

SMITH: I will be wearing #12. My height is 6’3”, maybe 6’4”, and I’m 200 pounds.

A three-star prospect, Smith committed to Iowa on June 26, 2016, choosing the Hawkeyes over scholarship offers from Vanderbilt, Memphis, Southern Miss, Toledo, Colorado State, Louisiana Tech, Louisiana-Monroe, and Arkansas State, among others.

As a senior, Smith had 80 catches for 1,509 yards and 19 touchdowns at Lake Cormorant High School.

See highlights from Smith's senior year in the video below.