Schools to Watch After 4-Star Rahshaun Smith Decommits from Clemson

Clemson lost a key commitment Thursday afternoon when blue-chip defender Rahshaun Smith backed off his verbal pledge to the program. 

The 6'3", 239-pound linebacker announced his intentions on Twitter.

"It is with a heavy heart, but clear conscience that I announce that I have decided to decommit from Clemson," he wrote.

Smith cited his desire to visit other universities as main motivation.

"Due to my need to further explore all of my options and make sure where I sign is 100 percent where I want to attend, I must take other visits. Since this is not allowed by Clemson, I have made my decision," he wrote.

The Tigers initially landed Smith in March, and he remained the team's top-ranked 2016 defensive recruit until Thursday. His departure leaves Clemson with 10 commitments in the class.

Smith, a senior at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, is considered the premier inside linebacker prospect in 247Sports' composite rankings. Rated 55th overall among 2016 recruits, Smith won't have trouble locating alternative collegiate opportunities.

His scholarship offer sheet features more than 30 schools. Smith started receiving serious recruiting interest early in high school and now anchors a defensive unit that includes LSU cornerback commit Saivion Smith and 5-star lineman Shavar Manuel.

Bleacher Report National Recruiting Analyst Sanjay Kirpalani broke down his range during B/R's CFB 200 recruiting series.

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His length and his ability to be a disruptive force as a pass-rusher separate him as an elite prospect. In pass coverage, he displayed a good feel for dropping into zones and breaking on routes. Plus, he's versatile enough to play on the outside or even at defensive end in certain situations.

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While Clemson remains in the mix—Smith shared plans to use an official visit there—his focus will be elsewhere during much of the fall.

Auburn, Miami and LSU are locked in as trips, according to Ryan Bartow of 247Sports. Considering Clemson already made the cut, that leaves one unfilled official visit slot before national signing day.

Maryland could emerge as the landing spot since he previously attended high school in the state. The Terps appear to be on a recruiting upswing after 4-star wide receiver Tino Ellis joined elite quarterback Dwayne Haskins in the class last week.

Maryland sits in second place among expert predictions for 247Sports' Crystal Ball, trailing only Clemson.

A former Mid-Atlantic connection could strengthen the chances of him landing at Miami. Lawrence Cager, who played alongside Smith at Calvert Hall High School, is a freshman wide receiver with the Hurricanes.

Miami already claims a commitment from fellow 4-star inside linebacker Shaquille Quarterman. A date for his trip to Coral Gables is undetermined at this stage, per Bartow.

Smith is already scheduled to attend contests at Auburn and LSU.

He will head to Baton Rouge for an Oct. 17 showdown between LSU and Florida, before traveling to the Nov. 14 Auburn matchup against Georgia.

Expect Smith to enjoy a front-row seat at several highly anticipated games this season. His new uncommitted status should make him a welcomed guest at multiple contending colleges. 

Tyler Donohue is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings. Follow Tyler via Twitter: @TDsTake.