Saivion Smith to LSU: Tigers Land 5-Star CB Prospect

LSU laid down a major marker this recruiting season by adding one of the most sought-after defensive players in the 2016 class.

Shea Dixon of 247 Sports reported Saivion Smith has committed to the Tigers:

Smith is the best cornerback in the country and ranked No. 7 overall in 247Sports' composite rankings. He's also the second-best recruit in the state of Florida.

Smith's emergence on a national stage came rather quickly. Not too long ago, he wasn't on the radar of any major college football schools. Then a transfer to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, set in motion a chain of events that saw his profile explode.

Bleacher Report's Sanjay Kirpalani wrote an in-depth profile of Smith back in January. Kirpalani recounted the one moment that more than anything else cemented Smith's standing as one of the nation's best corners:

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His signature performance came against powerhouse and defending 3A Florida state champion Trinity Christian—a team with at least 10 players who have offers from Power Five schools, including 2015 5-star corner and LSU pledge Kevin Toliver II. Saivion was the most dominant performer on the field.

In a game televised nationally by ESPNU, Saivion recorded 13 tackles and scored two non-offensive touchdowns, per MaxPreps—one on a blocked punt and another by stripping 230-pound man-child Jeffery Holland and racing 46 yards for a scoop and score.

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At 6'1" and 175 pounds, Smith has good size for a cornerback. There isn't really the risk that he'll be at a disadvantage by taller wide receivers. He's also willing to get physical when necessary without going over the line and incurring needless flags.

Smith was one of the players who attended the Under Armour Elite 50 Experience, which allowed him to get tutelage from one of the greatest cornerbacks in NFL history, per Josh Newberg of 247Sports:

He also had the opportunity to test himself some more against the top wide receivers in the nation. ESPN.com's Derek Tyson captured a Vine of Smith matched up with Dredrick Snelson:

Smith is one of those players who flies to the ball and is seemingly always in position to make a big play. Depending on how much he plays in his freshman and sophomore years, he could pick up quite a few interceptions early on in his career before opposing quarterbacks learn to adjust and stay away from his side of the field.

LSU has an exceptional track record of elite defensive backs under Les Miles. Smith will look to add to the legacy stars like Patrick Peterson, Eric Reid and Tyrann Mathieu have left behind at the university in recent years.

There's little not to like about Smith's game. He's even more than passable against the run, which isn't always a guarantee with top cornerbacks coming out of high school

With the continued rise of spread offenses and emphasis on the passing game, it's becoming more and more important for the top schools to be loaded with skill in the secondary.

There's no question that passing defense will be an area of strength over the next few years for the Tigers with Smith in the fold.