Uncommitted: Which school will gain the strength of lineman Braden Smith?

Two-and-a-half years ago, Braden Smith was practically unheard of on the national recruiting scene.

The sophomore was quietly paving the way for head coach Jeff Gourley's South (Olathe, Kan.) squad to capture a state title thanks to his gritty run blocking.

Still, he had yet to receive a college scholarship offer and was getting mail mostly from schools around the Midwest

"Coach Gourley has told me it gets complicated," Smith told MaxPreps in 2011. "There will be a lot of colleges, it will take up a lot of time, but you have to keep focused."

Those words ring truer than ever, as the 6-foot-6, 290-pound offensive lineman is now one of the nation's most sought-after, well-known recruits, despite never seeking out the limelight.

The shy, hulking giant is now a senior and boasts dozens of scholarship offers from top programs around the country. He's also an internet sensation, after Gourley posted a video to YouTube of Smith bench pressing 515 pounds for three seemingly effortless reps.

Smith's father Dave told MaxPreps earlier this month that Smith intended to visit four schools before Signing Day: Notre Dame, Texas A&M, Auburn and TCU.

However, Smith never made it to South Bend, and it seems like he's narrowed his recruitment down to the latter three schools.

According to 247Sports, Smith made visits to Auburn and Texas A&M on Jan. 20 and 24 respectively, and is set to make a trip to TCU this weekend.

TCU may have an edge on Smith, as his sister, Megan, throws the shot put and discus for the school's track and field team.

Smith, a man of few words, has been tight-lipped about his recruitment and it seems that no one truly knows where he will sign on National Signing Day next Wednesday.

Four of the last five 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions peg Smith as on his way to Auburn, on the strength of a solid visit to the national runner-up.

Still, it's hard to pick against TCU, the Crystal Ball favorite. TCU is only a seven-and-a-half hour drive from Olathe, which is closer than Texas A&M and significantly closer than Auburn.

Throw in the comfort and familiarity that comes with the school having his sister on one of its athletic rosters, and TCU appears to be the favorite heading into the big day.

Crystal Ball Breakdown
TCU: 50%
Auburn: 33%
Texas A&M: 13%
Notre Dame: 3%