Signed: Defensive lineman Will Smith Jr. equipped with interior pass rush ability
The Early-Signing Period is here and Ohio State is set to once again bring in one of the country’s best recruiting classes. Lettermen Row is tracking the Buckeyes recruiting news throughout the signing period as 2023 commitments officially join the Ohio State football program. The latest Letter of Intent is in: Will Smith Jr. has signed with the Buckeyes.
COLUMBUS — Will Smith Jr., the son of the late Will Smith who starred for Ohio State and was a key piece of the 2002 national championship team, is officially a member of the Buckeyes.
The Dublin Coffman product signed his National Letter of Intent to Ohio State Wednesday.
What does it mean for the Buckeyes? Let’s check it out.
Who is Will Smith Jr.?
Will Smith Jr. is a four-star defensive lineman from Dublin, Ohio, and he played his high school ball at Dublin Coffman. He committed to the Buckeyes on Jan. 23, 2022, just nine days after he announced his offer. Moore held 17 offers, but he chose Ohio State as an in-state, legacy commit.
On3 Consensus Ranking: Four-star, No. 278 overall, No. 37 DL, No. 8 Ohio
On3 Ranking: Four-star, No. 211 overall, No. 27 DL, No. 8 Ohio
Hometown: Dublin, Ohio
High school: Dublin Coffman
Smith is one of three D-Linemen in Ohio State’s 2023 class. The others are Kayden McDonald and Jason Moore. McDonald is the No. 284 overall prospect, and Moore is the No. 60 overall prospect, according to the On3 Consensus.
Smith helped Dublin Coffman to a 7-3 regular season record and a playoff berth into the Division I Region 2 bracket as a senior. He has demonstrated good get-off, hand usage and leverage as an interior pass rusher.
How did Smith end up at Ohio State?
Smith made a total of seven visits to Ohio State. All of those were unofficials, including game-day visits for the Notre Dame, Iowa and Michigan games.
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Head coach Ryan Day and defensive line coach Larry Johnson had an in-home visit with Smith at the beginning of December.
Smith was Ohio State’s first verbal commit from the defensive side of the ball.
“The coaches made it clear to me that they gave me the offer because of me and my football ability and where they see me ending up,” Smith told Lettermen Row. “I appreciate and understand the significance of my dad’s legacy, but I really wanted to know that they believe in me as a football player.
“That was really important. And they made that clear.”
Will Smith Jr. Scouting Report (On3)
Twitchy interior defender who wins with burst off the line of scrimmage and an incredibly advanced understanding of leverage and hand usage. Fantastic bend and flexibility for his size, stellar athlete. Measures in over 6-foot-3, 250-plus pounds with a stout build that can’t add much more mass. Threw a strong 51-foot-1 in the shot put during his junior track and field campaign. Lacks ideal arm length to play on the edge but also lacks the frame to add substantial weight so he will be limited to a 3-technique. One of the highest floors in the country who will walk into an immediate role as a situational interior pass rusher. Ceiling is limited due to length but the athleticism and raw power could potential supersede those deficiencies.
