“[I liked] the atmosphere, how much their fans love football up there, the facilities, [and] how they have their freshmen dorms right across from the football complex. That’s very convenient for them getting to workouts, study hall, stuff like that,” Smith said. “The coaching staff up there [was great]. I got to meet the majority of them, and all of them seem like nice men. That’s what stood out for me. And just the fans, how they really get into it up there.”

Another Big Ten road trip came next for Smith, who traveled to State College, Pa., on Oct. 30 to see Penn State’s 41-31 win over Michigan. Smith said he was blown away by the atmosphere at Beaver Stadium.

“The fact that they have 108,000 seats, that’s kind of like NFL football,” Smith said. “The students and all the alums that they have up there [stood out]. They’re very big on that. The coaching staff [is a positive]. I love the campus. The Michigan game was a good game. Even after [Wolverines quarterback] Denard Robinson broke a big run, the crowd never faded out. They stayed in the game and it was a great experience.”

This weekend Smith is headed to Raleigh, N.C., for an official visit to North Carolina State. Smith, who will see the Wolfpack battle Wake Forest, said he’s looking forward to learning more about N.C. State’s academics and seeing what its game-day atmosphere is all about.

“N.C. State wasn’t really that big [coming into the season], but the Wolfpack is definitely coming together and they’re having a good year,” Smith said. “I believe they’re bowl-eligible now, and [I like that they’re] having a chance to compete and be champions.”

Smith plans to make his fourth official visit in December. He’ll take a trip to UCLA, the alma mater of former Ravens offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden. “That’s a big thing about [UCLA],” Smith said.

A fifth official visit hasn’t been scheduled yet, and Smith’s not sure if he’ll do so. He has made several unofficial trips to College Park.

“Maryland is still in the mix,” Smith said. “Their program is great. Coach [James] Franklin, Coach [Tom] Brattan and Coach [Don] Brown up there, they’re all great guys. They definitely make it worthwhile. They make you feel at home.”

A decision from Smith could come after his UCLA visit. Smith said he might reveal his choice at the inaugural Chesapeake Bowl, an all-star game pitting the top senior football players from Maryland, Washington, Virginia and West Virginia against the best from New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. The game is scheduled for Dec. 30 at 7:30 p.m. at Towson’s Johnny Unitas Stadium.