Former Saint Louis School football star Scott Smith said yesterday he has committed to play for Texas Tech next season.

Smith signed with California out of high school but left the program after one year. He played for Butler County C.C. (Kan.) this season and was the Jayhawk Conference defensive player of the year, finishing with 74 tackles and 14 sacks.

The 6-foot-7, 270-pound defensive end chose the Red Raiders over South Florida and Arkansas, where he tripped last weekend. He informed TTU coach Mike Leach of his decision over the phone yesterday morning.