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South Carolina signee moves up to 4-star ranking

by:Kevin Miller•01/30/25•

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South Carolina LB commitment Josh Smith. Photo credit: Josh Smith, (@joshs.way on IG)
South Carolina LB commitment Josh Smith. Photo credit: Josh Smith, (@joshs.way on IG)

South Carolina football signee Josh Smith was a relatively late addition to the Gamecocks’ 2025 signing class. The Dutch Fork defender spent most of his high school career with his hand in the dirt as a defensive end and showed promise, but after moving to linebacker as a senior, his recruitment picked up with a flurry of scholarship offers. The former Coastal Carolina commitment flipped to USC in November as a low 3-star recruit.

Following On3’s final individual player rankings update for the 2025 cycle, Smith is now a 4-star prospect. Though still outside of the On300, Smith’s 4-star status has pushed him to No. 11 in South Carolina and No. 34 nationally among all linebacker prospects.

The rest of the recruiting industry is still behind on Smith’s projections. Because of that, the On3 industry ranking—a composite ranking of the four major recruiting outlets (On3, 247Sports, ESPN, and Rivals)—still lists him as the No. 912 player in the country. The bump from On3’s player rankings did move him up 84 spots in the composite, however.

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When one takes a look at Smith’s senior film, On3’s evaluation tracks. The Columbia-area native is an aggressive, relentless defender who combines athleticism and size at the linebacker position. Listed at 6’2″ and 230 pounds, Smith stonewalls opposing rushers at the point of attack. When he diagnoses a play well, he gets downhill and gets downhill fast. Lead blockers and pulling linemen are just temporary obstacles for him on his way to ballcarriers.

Despite his experience as a pass rusher and his run-stopping nature at linebacker, Smith has shown some promise in coverage, as well. His natural athleticism shows up when he operates in space. He moves comfortably and shows good closing speed.

With his size and athleticism, Smith will fit right in with the rest of the Gamecocks’ linebackers. South Carolina defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Clayton White favors big, fast ‘backers who also can rush the passer. That description fits the Palmetto State native perfectly.

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Smith’s jump in the rankings is notable. He was an unranked prospect for much of his high school career before debuting as a 3-star. Now, because of On3’s update, he is Carolina’s 12th high school commitment (and 16th overall when including junior college and the transfer portal) rated as a 4-star in On3’s player rankings or industry rankings.

Smith enrolled at the University of South Carolina this January. He will go through spring practice with the Gamecocks. Carolina likely will need at least one young linebacker to play in 2025, and Smith will battle to put his name into the running for that spot.

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