2013 Texas Recruiting: Maurice Smith Will Take Visits, Slow Down Recruitment

When Fort Bend Dulles defensive back Maurice Smith and Bastrop cornerback Antwuan Davis finally received their long-awaited Texas offers the day following the Texas Orange-White game, it was thought that one or both could be quick commitments.

But when Smith spoke with the media, he indicated that he wanted to take visits before making his decision. This weekend, the prospect who could project at either cornerback or safety in college will take a visit to Tuscaloosa ($) to view the Alabama spring game. The following weekend he will make the trip to College Station.

The big news is that he is planning on waiting until after his senior season of football to make his announcement, citing concerns about coaching changes and a desire to evaluate depth charts in search of early playing time.

The Longhorns could suffer on both counts, with defensive coordinator Manny Diaz likely to be a potential candidate for every significant opening if his unit continues to perform at a high level, as expected, with numerous other assistants also likely to receive interest for head coaching or coordinator openings.

Then there's the depth chart. Unless cornerback Carrington Byndom opts to head for the NFL, the only opening in the Texas secondary will be at the safety position Kenny Vaccaro will vacate. Even if Byndom ends up leaving, there's plenty of young, talented depth in the secondary.

Even for a well-regarded prospect like Smith, early playing time won't be easy to come by unless he can quickly pass older players with similar talent levels. If that ends up being the determining factor, the odds are that Smith could see the field more quickly somewhere else.

The good news for the 'Horns? Texas is still Smith's dream school, with the Houston-area product saying that "I'm still leaning towards them."

So, Mack Brown and company are still in a strong position that could improve if Davis opts to make the call for the 'Horns in the next several months, as the two have become friends in recent months and have talked about playing together in college.

And if Smith opts to choose another school because of a more empty depth cart? Well, Texas wants guys who aren't afraid of competition.