4-star DL Jerod Smith commits to Michigan: 'I'm coming into a school that knows how to win'

Following his junior season, Cheshire (Conn.) Cheshire Academy four-star defensive lineman Jerod Smith received an offer from Michigan. Ever since then, defensive line coach Mike Elston was in constant contact with Smith and his family.

Smith visited Ann Arbor on March 28 alongside his brother, Cheshire (Conn.) Cheshire Academy four-star EDGE Jacob Smith. That trip only increased Smith’s interest in the Wolverines. Less than a month later, he committed to head coach Jim Harbaugh and his staff.

“Seeing the phenomenal facilities and meeting with all the coaches, that really made it feel like home,” Smith said. “The time I got to speak with coach (Elston) on that visit, it felt like we just hung out the whole day. We had meetings, we went over how they see me fitting and then I got to watch him coach a little bit. That was really huge.”

Michigan’s combination of strong academics, success sending edge rushers to the NFL and location all contributed to Smith’s decision. He was also intrigued by the Wolverines’ passionate fanbase.

The 6-foot-2.5, 255-pound recruit privately made his decision around two weeks ago. Now that his college destination is publicly known, he is excited to suit up for Michigan in the future.

“He’s brought that program from good to very good these past few years with back-to-back Big Ten championships,” said Smith, the No. 316 overall prospect and No. 28 defensive lineman in the 2024 On3 Industry Ranking. “I think what’s next for them is a national championship. I’m hoping to help out with that. The way he’s developed that program to what it is to this day is very huge and it shows how good of a coach he is.”

Smith is excited to improve as a defender at Michigan

As Smith learned more about Michigan, he was impressed by the coaching talent on the Wolverines’ staff. One of those coaches, Elston, played a “pretty crucial” role in his decision.

Elston is already giving Smith advice on how to improve as a pass rusher. In addition to communicating often about things on and off the field, the Connecticut native likes how Elston coaches his players.

“I saw intensity and energy, a little bit of both,” Smith said of watching Michigan’s defensive linemen on his visit. “He was helping players fix the mistakes that they made, but at the same time, he was giving them words of encouragement.”

Smith is now the newest blue-chip recruit in Michigan’s 2024 recruiting class. He is looking forward to showcasing his talents in maize-and-blue.

“I’m coming into a school that knows how to win,” Smith said. “It’s going to teach me how to win and all that’s just going to be huge. The momentum is going to be crazy, with high expectations all around.”