Top-ranked JUCO cornerback and former four-star LSU player Saivion Smith announced his commitment to Alabama on Wednesday via Twitter.
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"I just committed to Alabama. This was a no brainer for me," Smith said in an interview with 247Sports' Bama Online website. "I've been leaning there the whole time. I wanna compete for a national championship and win. I know that Alabama does that as well as anyone and I just want to be around great players and coaches.
Smith, a former 4-star high school prospect, spent his first collegiate season at LSU before transferring to Mississippi Gulf Coast C.C., in May. He chose the Tide over offers from Auburn, Mississippi State and South Carolina, among numerous others, following a visit from Alabama defensive backs coach Derrick Ansley, his primary recruiter, on Tuesday, as well as a meeting with head coach Nick Saban last week.
"Coach Ansley is great. He was my guy there. He's just so down to earth and we can talk about anything. He told me to come in compete and everything else will work itself out and that's what I'm going to do," Smith said. " I"m excited to be playing for him. He's already helping me get ready for next year and I know he knows what he's talking about. I'm really excited to be playing for him.
"I also love that Coach Saban will be working with me. He's a defensive back guy and I think he's a great coach. The best in college football. I couldn't pass up this opportunity."
Smith recorded 31 tackles and two interceptions — including one for a touchdown — for Mississippi Gulf Coast C.C. last season. He appeared in 10 games as a backup during his freshman season at LSU, recording four tackles and two pass breakups.
Smith told 247Sports that he plans to enroll at Alabama in January and is expected to have "three years to play out his remaining two seasons of eligibility," according to the website.
