When 6’6″, 285-pound offensive tackle prospect Eric Smith pledged to the University of Virginia on December 20, he did so without having seen the grounds. Today, the Columbia (Decatur, GA) senior standout is en route to Charlottesville, one of 19 committed prospects Mike London and company are hosting on a huge official visit weekend.

Smith is an important recruit, one of three offensive line prospects the Hoos have committed in the class of 2013. He saw his recruitment flourish following a productive senior season (highlights are below), and UVa was one of the schools impressed enough to offer a scholarship.

Smith’s rise in the recruiting ranks didn’t come as a surprise to Columbia head coach David Edwards. The 2012 season may have been Edwards’ first as head coach of Columbia, his alma mater, but he knew of the UVa-bound prospect well beforehand.

“I remember when I saw Eric first, when he was in the eighth grade,” Edwards said. “He has always been able to run. He is so long, so he can put on a lot of weight. He uses his length very well. He’s quick. He brings leadership. He picks things up fast.”

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