The growth in Smith's game is inevitable, but before he can focus on what is next, he has to return to his old form before applying his fierce work ethic towards making further strides. Smith is coming off an ankle injury that should have sidelined him for the duration of his junior season, only it didn't because he would not let it. The Sylvester Smith that you see on film from last year, albeit as productive as he was, is not the Sylvester Smith that he knows he can be.
"I come off my sophomore season leading offense and defense," Smith said of where he wants to see his game grow. "I had ten interceptions, had 1,500 rushing yards; I broke records that year. I actually picked up a couple of offers to play running back, but I just like seeing the ball in the air, going to get it, and hitting people with the ball. The second game, first play of the game, I basically had a season-ending injury with a medial sprain to my left ankle and tore some ligaments. We had tight games, like region games, back-to-back-to-back, and really there was no one to come up and fill my spot, so I had to play and lead the team the best I could. I just had to set all of that personal stuff aside, and I was playing with my ankle as swollen as a softball. Really now, it is about getting back to the level I was, then getting past it. I want to separate from everyone else. I am getting ready to commit, and separating from everyone else is going to be my focus after. I have always been taught you have to find something good in the bad, and I was able to learn to lead my team more mentally than physically during that time."
When Smith announces his college decision on April 26th, the hats on the table at Munford High School will evidence how highly regarded he is. Kirby Smart calls him routinely. LSU staffs, new and old, have both extended offers and pursued heavily, while Tennessee has reiterated time and again the opportunity they have for him in their depleted secondary. Other schools like Auburn and Florida, both of which have some type of longstanding relationship with him, are sure to kick the tires one more time to see if they can slow his process. But, for now, Smith has offered insight into his game and what he brings to one of these schools; in a couple of more weeks, he will offer up what is next and why it is.