Yesterday it was reported that Seneca quarterback DaMarcus Smith officially requested that he be granted a release from the letter of intent he signed with Central Florida in February. The request puts the power squarely in the hands of UCF head coach George O'Leary and the UCF athletic department. Today, the Orlando Sentinel reported that O'Leary has decided to declined Smith's request for a release. This, despite DaMarcus' mother calling O'Leary to request it.
Unlike transfer requests, requests for release from a letter of intent cannot be granted conditionally. So, those thinking that UCF would release DaMarcus Smith on the condition that he not come to Louisville should know that this is not an option. If UCF insists on not granting a release, Smith would have to sit out the 2011 football season before playing at the school of his choice. This is not the end of the story, but, DaMarcus has few avenues for recourse since he signed a binding letter of intent with UCF.
O'Leary breaks down his decision to decline Smith's release request: