Bio Blast: Meet On300 Michigan linebacker signee Jaden Smith

On300 Charlotte (N.C.) West Charlotte linebacker Jaden Smith officially signed with Michigan on Wednesday.

Here is everything you need to know about the talented prospect.

The Skinny

Height: 6-foot-2.5
Weight: 195
Senior Stats: Recorded 69 total tackles, 14 for loss, three sacks, two pass breakups, one fumble recovery, one blocked field goal and one blocked punt.
Industry Ranking: No. 30 linebacker, No. 348 overall
Interesting Facts: Four-time all-conference selection. Queen City 3A/4A Defensive Player of the Year. Nicknamed ‘The Problem.’

Recruitment

Smith notched an offer from Michigan in the spring and gave the Wolverines a verbal commitment in June. He picked U-M over offers from Kentucky, Missouri, USC, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech and others. Former Michigan linebackers coach Chris Partridge served as his primary recruiter. U-M defensive coordinator Jesse Minter served as his secondary recruiter.

He Said It

“It’s funny because when I first went up there, I was just trying to visit all the schools I could. At the time I really only knew Coach Partridge, but all the coaches really showed me love on that visit. The players introduced themselves, and we had great conversations. It felt like I was home. When I got back, I told myself I’m going to commit to Michigan.”

They Said It

“The game has changed. We don’t have these big 260-pound B-gap-to-B-gap linebackers anymore. This guy has the capability of being 230 pounds his first year once he gets on the eating table and starts lifting with those guys. He’s really strong in our weight room. He has the unique talent where he can rush off the edge and also cover. I’m not saying he’s a defensive back, but he has the ability to play in space. He still has the great capability to rush the passer. I think he’s a hybrid player. That’s where linebackers are going. He can be the WILL, where he can drop back into coverage and rush a little bit. He has the range. A lot of people missed on him because of the size. He just got big. He just started scratching 200 pounds.” — West Charlotte head coach Sam Greiner

Scouting Report

“I’m really high on Jaden Smith. He’s a very athletic linebacker/safety type who’s inched closer to the line of scrimmage his entire high school career and really came on as a junior. I really like his ability to rush the passer and he’s very fluid as an athlete. He projects well as a space player and projects to cover well. I think he has pretty good size right now but Michigan will continue to put better size on him. He’s close to 200 pounds and ran a verified 4.58 40 so there’s a lot to like about him.” — On3 Rankings Director Charles Power