Kentucky Lands Late 4-Star Commitment, LB Jaden Smith

And just like that, Kentucky’s Top 25 2024 recruiting class just got better. Yes, it’s almost two weeks after National Signing Day, but thanks to some unusual circumstances, Kentucky just landed another four-star talent. Jaden Smith will be a Wildcat, reports the Charlotte Observer.

Jaden Smith is four-star prospect in the On3 Industry Rankings, and finished ranked No. 278 overall in the final On300 of 2024. A 6-foot-3, 200-pound linebacker linebacker from Charlotte, it looked like Kentucky missed out on this prized prospect.

The Cats were one of a handful of schools that hosted Smith for official visits over the summer. A priority prospect for Brad White, he could not close in June. Smith committed to Michigan and signed with the Wolverines in December.

A lot has happened at Michigan since he signed with the program. Following Jim Harbaugh’s departure and the subsequent staff changes, Smith asked for a release from his National Letter of Intent, which was granted by Sherrone Moore.

“With that said, after much prayer and deliberation, I’ve made the decision to formally request my release from my NLI,” he wrote on Twitter. “This was the toughest decision I’ve ever had to make in my life. Forever grateful for Coach Moore and The University of Michigan.”

Over the last two weeks USC, Miami, and Florida State recruited Smith, but Brad White’s lengthy relationship won out for the Wildcats.

Kentucky’s loaded defensive class just got better. He’s the sixth defensive signee ranked as a four-star talent by at least one recruiting service. Smith is the fifth off-ball linebacker in the class, including National Signing Day addition Quintavion Norman.

What a win for Kentucky. Signing four-star talents is always significant. Adding one this late in the game is rare and could pay significant dividends for the Cats down the road.

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