College football recruit facing attempted murder charge

A JUCO college football recruiting prospect who committed to Oregon State will not join that program after he was arrested on suspicion of an attempted murder. 

Running back Brandon Smith committed to the Beavers but now the school says he did not sign with the team and "will not be a part of the program."

Smith was one of four men arrested this month and charged with attempted murder, robbery, and conspiracy following an incident near a community pool at the beginning of the month that left a man severely injured.

The incident allegedly took place on the same day that Smith announced his commitment to Oregon State, hours after the player had declared his intentions.

Smith ran for 1,231 yards and scored 16 touchdowns while averaging 6.8 yards per attempt at Santa Barbara City College. 

He didn't receive any attention or major scholarship offers coming out of high school in the Chicago area, but caught the eye of some schools while building his resume as a JUCO player, including Oregon State, Fresno State, and others.

Had he joined the Beavers, Smith would have competed for snaps at the running back position with reserve contributors Deshaun Fenwick and Jam Griffin.

Oregon State is projected to start Damien Martinez at running back. He appeared in 13 games and started five last season as a freshman, posting 982 rushing yards on 161 carries and scoring seven touchdowns while averaging 6.1 yards per carry.

(ESPN)

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