The weeks leading up to the Early Signing Period can be a whirlwind of activity. With the recruiting calendar constantly changing and this year's date moved earlier, high school recruits find themselves in a state of flux. Carter Smith, a highly-regarded quarterback from Fort Meyers (Fla.) Bishop Verot, was no exception. Just over a month before the Early Signing Period, he decommitted from Michigan and began the arduous task of sifting through options to find a new home.

Navigating the Early Signing Period: A High School Recruit's Journey

Section 1: The Early Signing Period Chaos

During this time, high school recruits are still playing while colleges are also in the midst of their own activities. Both sides are working towards being ready for December 4th. For Carter Smith, the normal chaos was heightened. He decommitted from Michigan and had to quickly assess his options. In a playoff game against Tarpon Springs on November 15th, he re-aggravated an AC joint injury in his throwing shoulder. Despite the pain, he refused to let it be the end and returned to the game in the second half, rushing for 118 yards and the go-ahead touchdown.This experience showed his determination and resilience. After the game, his family returned home, stayed up late to watch the Mike Tyson-Jake Paul fight, and then got up early to board a plane for his official visit at Wisconsin. They arrived tired but ready to explore this new potential destination.

Section 2: Family and Sports Background

Dan Smith, Carter's father, was a pitcher within the Atlanta Braves organization. He was still playing when Carter was born and baseball became a part of Carter's life from a young age. Carter's mother Amber was a high-level gymnast, and it was clear that he inherited her athleticism. When he first started flag football at six, his father was amazed by his movement and aggression. As he grew older and played Pop Warner with pads on, it became evident that he might have a future in football.Carter continued to build on his talent in grade school and by high school, he was marked as the next starter at Bishop Verot. In Florida, they have spring jamborees where he made a big impression. His performance led to an offer from Florida Atlantic. During his junior season, he visited Michigan and became a Wolverine. But when rumors surfaced about the Wolverines pursuing another commit, he had to make a difficult decision to decommit.

Section 3: Decommitment and Adversity

Decommitting was a tough blow for Carter and his family. They had found a home at Michigan, but now they had to start the process again. Along with the shoulder injury that caused him to miss games, Carter had to work through a lot of adversity. But he handled it extremely well. He was willing to walk on if it meant continuing his football journey.The Badgers' recruiting staff, including director Pat Lambert and director of player personnel Max Stienecker, went to great lengths to show their interest. They got exemptions to visit Bishop Verot and made a strong impression on the family. This laid the foundation for Smith's official visit to Wisconsin.

Section 4: Committing to Wisconsin

After a tiring day of a game, a late-night fight, and an early flight, Carter and his family arrived at Wisconsin. They met with head coach Luke Fickell and immediately felt that this was the right place for him. Carter committed, ready to focus on his senior season and continue winning in the state playoffs.As they watched their first game in Camp Randall and saw Jump Around, they reflected on the past and the future. Carter, who was once a little boy in the locker room with his father, was now about to become a Big Ten quarterback. It was an emotional journey, but one that they were proud of.The Early Signing Period begins on Wednesday, December 4th. Stay tuned with 247Sports and Badger247 for all the latest on Wisconsin's signees and the rest of the Big Ten.