ESPN College Football

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

Former Colorado wide receiver Josh Smith could be fulfilling a promise to return closer to his Moorpark, Calif., home to continue his college football career.

The Los Angeles Daily News reports that Smith appears headed to UCLA, if several academic issues can be resolved.

Smith decided earlier this spring to leave Colorado in order to pursue his dreams of a musical career.

The two schools that originally were thought to have the best chance to attract Smith were Arizona State and USC. Smith began making rap demos and CDs during high school and is interested in pursuing that career after he leaves college.

Smith, a junior, finished the 2008 season with 1,987 all-purpose yards. He set Colorado school records with 1,568 return yards and 50 kickoff returns, including a touchdown return that helped propel the Buffaloes to a season-opening victory over Colorado State.

Smith also gained 387 yards receiving on 29 catches and added 32 rushing yards last season. He caught 23 passes for 451 yards as a freshman in 2007.

The California lifestyle has always appealed to Smith, who moved in with his older sister, Alexis Scott, while in high school.

His arrival could mean a player with potential game-breaking ability for Rick Neuheisel. And it means that hopes that Smith would remain with the Buffaloes where he could play with his nephew, Darrell Scott, apparently are over.