Class of 2016 Red Bank (N.J.) Catholic High School offensive lineman Liam Smith announced his verbal commitment to Duke on Monday afternoon.

I am blessed and excited to announce that I have committed to the Duke Blue Devils! #DukeGang16 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/Pf8EuxIcCy — Liam Smith (@liam_smith890) April 13, 2015

The 6-foot-5, 280-pound Smith, widely rated as one of the Garden State's best linemen, chose the Blue Devils over other programs including Syracuse, Rutgers and Virginia.

He was offered by SU last July and visited later in the month. Smith also attended the Orange's game against Notre Dame at MetLife Stadium last season and returned to Syracuse for another visit this spring.

The Orange currently has two pledges in its 2016 class: Sadiq Palmer, a wide receiver from nearby Red Bank Regional High School, and Cam DeGeorge, an offensive tackle from Lynnfield (Mass.) High School.

Smith's commitment is non-binding until he signs a national letter of intent on February.