Michigan National Signing Day Capsule: LB Jaden Smith
Michigan National Signing Day Capsule: LB Jaden Smith
Recruiting Story:
Michigan has thrived in their player evaluations and hit on many under-the-radar prospects and the next example may be Charlotte (N.C.) West Charlotte athlete Jaden Smith. The 6-foot-3, 200-pounder was not a hot commodity for much of his recruitment, but Wolverine linebacker coach Chris Partridge saw him workout during the spring evaluation period and offered shortly afterwards. The relationship developed quickly and in June, Smith picked the Wolverines over a number of other suitors. He saw his profile grow following a strong senior campaign with more interest/offers come his way along with his ranking rise. Others looked to lure him away from the Maize and Blue especially with Michigan linebackers coach Chris Partridge no longer a part of the coaching staff, but Smith never wavered and is slated to be a key piece to this recruiting class.
Scouting Report:
Per West Charlotte head football coach Sam Greiner
“Jaden’s upside is through the roof,” Sam Greiner told 247Sports. “I haven’t seen a player like him in a long time with his capabilities. He has great size and length. He’s probably closer to 6-3 than 6-2. But, you don’t see an athlete like that that can bend and can run. He has extremely good hips. He’s explosive.
“And, we haven’t seen his better days yet — the kid could grow into something spectacular. He could be an edge rusher to an inside linebacker. He has the capability to cover. He’s what they’re looking for in this day and age at linebacker. When he gets on an eating table, you’re going to see this 190-pound body become 230 pounds and still be able to bend and run legit 4.5 40s.”
Why Michigan?
“I’m going to the University of Michigan,” Smith told 247Sports. “I chose this because they showed a lot of love. They can improve me as a man and a player and get me better.”
Bottom Line:
The Wolverines have added another talented and versatile prospect in defensive athlete Jaden Smith, who could play several positions in this defense. He’s expected to come in and compete at linebacker to start, but he’s player that can make his presence felt in a multitude of ways from linebacker to edge on passing downs and even special teams, where he also made several plays on in his senior season. With a year or two under strength and conditioning coach Ben Herbert, Smith has the chance to be the face of this defense and one of the top players on that side of the ball for Michigan.
