3-star LB Jaden Smith commits to Michigan Wolverines

Charlotte (N.C.) West Charlotte three-star linebacker Jaden Smith has announced his commitment to Michigan. He chose the Wolverines over Kentucky, USC and Virginia Tech.

Smith is not ranked in the 2024 On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. However, On3 rates the 6-foot-2.5, 195-pound recruit is the No. 30 linebacker in the country. He is also the No. 14 player in North Carolina.

“I had a chance to see Smith live at the Under Armour Charlotte camp this offseason,” EJ Holland of The Wolverine wrote. “Smith is right at around 6-foot-3, 195 pounds, but can easily add another 20 pounds to his frame. Like Mason Curtis and Cole Sullivan, I would classify Smith as a defensive athlete. Smith showed plus abilities in coverage at the camp and also looked fluid and speedy when going through individual drills. I think he can play a traditional linebacker role, a big safety role and even come off the edge. He’s a project, but there is a lot to like about his ceiling.”

For more Michigan recruiting intel, check out The Wolverine.

Smith is the latest member of Michigan’s top-10 recruiting class

Smith made his first visit to Ann Arbor on June 3. He is scheduled to return to Michigan for an official visit on June 23.

Prior to Smith’s pledge, Michigan’s 2024 recruiting class ranked No. 6 in the 2024 On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings and No. 2 in the Big Ten. The Wolverines’ group is led by Charlotte (N.C.) Providence Day School four-star quarterback Jadyn Davis, the No. 28 overall prospect and No. 4 quarterback in the On3 Industry Ranking.

Smith is now the fourth linebacker pledged to head coach Jim Harbaugh and his staff, alongside Curtis, Sullivan and South Park (Penn.) three-star Zach Ludwig. Michigan also has commitments from seven top-200 prospects in Davis, Rochester (Mich.) Adams four-star tight end Brady Prieskorn, Cincinnati (Ohio) Archbishop Moeller four-star running back Jordan Marshall, Kansas City (Mo.) Rockhurst four-star offensive tackle Andrew Sprague, Bellevue (Wash.) four-star Hogan Hansen, Austin (Texas) Vandegrift four-star offensive tackle Blake Frazier and Harper Woods (Mich.) four-star safety Jacob Oden.

“I’ve really been saying, ‘Why not?'” Oden told Zach Libby of The Wolverine on April 4 about his recruiting pitch. “It’s home. (Michigan) treats you the best. You’ll win because we’re winners here. You’ll be great at your position. Why not Michigan?”