Pair of 5-star prospects committed elsewhere visiting Florida
Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna Prep Five-Star Plus+ wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and Venice (Fla.) five-star cornerback Charles Lester III are both visiting Florida tonight as the Gators take on Charlotte.
Smith is the nation’s No. 1 overall prospect in the 2024 cycle according to the On3 Industry Ranking — a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. Lester ranks No. 22 overall and as the No. 2 cornerback.
The 6-foot-3, 200-pound Smith committed to Ohio State last December but has remained active on the recruiting trail by visiting schools around his home state of Florida. Lester pledged to the Seminoles at the end of July, and is one of two five-stars committed to the ‘Noles.
Jeremiah Smith Scouting Summary
On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power writes this about Smith as a prospect:
“One of the more talented and well-rounded receiver prospects in recent cycles. The highest-rated wide receiver prospect from Florida in well over a decade. A big, skilled receiver with fluidity and savvy for the position. Measured in at 6-foot-3 and around 200 pounds with a 32.5-inch arm prior to his senior season. Had a breakout junior season, catching 58 passes for 1,073 yards and 20 touchdowns while leading Chaminade-Madonna to a state title. A very polished route-runner at this stage with rare ability to change directions at his size. Smooth mover with technical refinement that allows for separation.
“…Regularly stacks cornerbacks off the line. Pairs his route-running ability with advanced ball skills. Has strong hands and comes down with catches in traffic. A high-level ball tracker with the ability to locate the football over his shoulder. Capable of making fantastic one-handed grabs. Also flashes ability after the catch. Has the size to run through contact and a long stride to pull away in the open field. Also a strong track athlete winning state titles in the 110-meter and 400-meter hurdles as a junior. An extremely well-rounded prospect with a high floor and ceiling. Looks like a prototypical X wide receiver prospect with considerable traits and skills that point to an upside as a high draft pick.”
Charles Lester III Scouting Summary
On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power writes this about Lester as a prospect:
“Two-way standout as a receiver and cornerback who has one of the more intriguing upsides among the 2024 cornerback group. Measured at around 6-foot-1, 170 pounds prior to his senior season. Has unverified length. Hip fluidity and ball skills stand out. Shows the ability to consistently and naturally catch the football away from his frame.
“…Can flip his hips with ease in man coverage. Breaks on the ball quickly in zone coverage. Flashes a high-quality short area quickness and excellent trigger to the football. A willing tackler with solid physicality and ability to play in the box. High level ball production as a junior, picking off five passes. Also makes plays at receiver, showing off his ball skills and change of direction. A tough runner with the ball in his hands. Lacks verified top-end speed.”