Backs for the future? FSU visits a big hit with 4-stars Smothers, Singleton

For Smothers, who is rated the nation's No. 7 running back by Rivals, this was his third visit to Tallahassee.

"It's a great feel," he said. "The energy is always good down here."

But what made this trip extra special for Smothers was that he was able to bring his family along as well.

"They always heard that Florida State was a top school for me," Smothers said. "They just got to experience what I was talking about. ... For them just to get to see all this and the people around, and feel the vibe that I've been feeling since my first two visits, is good."

This was actually the only official visit for Smothers' mom, and from the sounds of things, the Seminoles and head coach Mike Norvell made a lasting impression.

"She's been tearing up, honestly. It's been a great experience for her," Smothers said. "She really got to feel the love. Like I said, she teared up in Coach Norvell's office. It's just been a great feeling."

This visit wasn't only about relationships, however.

Florida State's offensive coaches also made a strong presentation about their commitment to running the football as well as FSU's great legacy of producing elite backs.

"It's something big being a running back here at Florida State," Smothers said. "They take pride in that. ... Guys like Dalvin Cook and Cam Akers coming out of the same program. It's a running back-dominant offense."

The coaches also showed what they did with guys like Darrell Henderson and Tony Pollard during their great run at Memphis.

"You can't argue with numbers," Smothers said. "It lets you know that Coach Norvell knows how to take a running back and develop him throughout the years, and get them to a certain point where we all want to get to."

When asked about the highlight of the weekend, the North Carolina product immediately said it was hanging out with the other recruits and coaches at Norvell's house on Saturday.

He said he has particularly strong relationships with assistant coaches David Johnson, Alex Atkins and director of high school relations Ryan Bartow.

On Bartow: "There's never a dull moment, you know that. It's always jokes, laughs. You're gonna get a good smile. That's the guy to be around. ... He brings the party."

When it comes to potentially having Johnson as his position coach, Smothers said he knows he would be, "in good hands."

"The way he carries himself ... he's just a true mentor," Smothers said. "He doesn't get too high and doesn't get too low. And he genuinely cares about you. Not only as a football player, but as a young man."

The Rivals250 member is also considering Oklahoma, N.C. State and Alabama, and he plans to make to make a decision in July.