On3 5-Star Countdown: No. 8, DL James Smith
On3 has updated its 2023 On300 after a summer filled with camps and 7-on-7 tournaments. The No. 8 overall prospect in the 2023 cycle and earning five-star status is Montgomery (Ala.) Carver defensive lineman James Smith. Smith jumped up from No. 13 in the previous rankings.
The summer before senior year is one of the most important periods in the recruiting cycle. Prospects start taking their official visits and many narrow down their options — some all the way down to one. Camps such as Elite 11 and Future 50 take place with standout players getting a chance to prove themselves against the best of the best.
But with summer camp season over and high school football season around the corner, the top of the 2023 recruiting class is starting shape into form.
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The class has already produced some of the most engaging and unique stories on the recruiting trail in recent memory thanks to high-quality prospects, the advent of NIL and the introduction of the new era of college football.
The latest edition of On3’s 2023 rankings features 21 players with a coveted five-star rating, up from a previous 15 five-star players. There are also six new prospects who earned their coveted fifth star after this latest round of evaluations.
James Smith Scouting Summary:
“Possesses the best combination of first-step quickness and power among interior defensive line prospects in the 2023 cycle. Extremely quick off the ball, often beating opposing offensive linemen out of their stance. Follows up his first step with considerable upper body and hand strength. Stuns offensive linemen with his punch and gets off of blocks at a high rate. Has a wide-hipped frame without much bad weight. Plays with high energy and violent physicality. A dominant player as a freshman and sophomore prior to transferring to IMG Academy. Finishes plays behind the line of scrimmage with authority. Is able to yank down ball carriers with one hand. Also shows advanced pass rush ability for an interior defensive lineman.” — Charles Power, On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings