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Penn State QB target Jaxon Smolik decommits from Tulane

Mug-Shot 4x4by:Ryan Snyder•08/11/22•

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Penn State quarterback target Jaxon Smolik has opened up his recruitment. (Credit: Ryan Snyder/BWI)

Penn State picked up a quality wide receiver prospect Wednesday evening in Carmelo Taylor. Now, with 18 commitments total, one of the only things they’re missing is a quarterback. After Jacksonville resident Marcus Stokes switched his commitment to Florida, offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich quickly identified West Des Monines, Iowa, native Jaxon Smolik as one of his top targets.

On Thursday morning, Yurcich and the entire Penn State coaching staff received some good news, with Smolik opening up his recruitment, announcing that he’s no longer committed to Tulane.

“I have deep respect for Coach [Willie] Fritz and Coach [Jim] Svoboda, as well as the Tulane football program and sincerely appreciate them believing in me first and seeing what I am capable of during my recruitment process,” Smolik posted on Twitter. “After further conversation with my family and looking at all the options, I have deceided to decommit from Tulane. I will forever be grateful to Tulane University, the coaches, staff and fans!”

Listed at 6-foot-1, 205 pounds, Smolik camped at Penn State just under two weeks ago, leaving campus with an offer. He admitted in an extended interview last week that Notre Dame and Wisconsin were also showing interest. However, the Fighting Irish & Badgers have yet to extend an offer. Smolik also said that he wants to have his decision finalized by the start of his senior season.

“I want to get this sorted out so I just don’t have to worry about it,” Smolik said. “If I have to worry about it during the season, I’m coming home from practice, calling a bunch of coaches and then I’m doing my homework. I won’t get to bed until 12 every night. So, I want to get this kind of figured out before school starts, before the season starts, just so I don’t have to worry about all this. So, yeah, that’s kind of where I’m at with that. I’ll probably have this sorted out by the time school starts back up.”

Smolik emerged on Penn State’s radar in the beginning of Jul. He earned a late invitation to the Elite 11 Finals in Los Angeles and took full advantage of the opportunity. On3 named Smolik among their top 11 performers.

“Jaxon Smolik was a late addition to the Elite 11 Finals and made the most of the opportunity,” wrote On3 Director of Scouting Charles Power. “The Tulane commit showed he belonged alongside the nation’s best and got better and better each day. Smolik had one of the better 7-on-7 sessions on Thursday, with On3 charting him on target for 9 of 17 passes for three touchdowns and one dropped interception. Smolik got hot during the middle of his turn, ripping two impressive touchdowns in rapid succession. He spins the ball well and throws with velocity.”

Smolik currently holds a three-star rating by On3. Our staff ranks him as the 31st-ranked quarterback nationally. He holds at 87 overall rating, which makes him a high three-star.

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