Blue Chips: Insight on recent Michigan linebacker commit Jaden Smith
I recently caught up with Armand Brown, a tech entrepreneur and youth mentor in the Charlotte-area, who works closely with three-star Michigan linebacker commit Jaden Smith.
Here are some highlights from our interview.
On making the Michigan visit with Smith:
“We’ve been blessed. We’ve been going through the recruiting process since last summer, and it really picked up for us in February this year. That’s when the offers poured in. We’ve been able to see some great schools and talk to some great coaches. With Michigan, it was the total package. During our conversation with Coach (Jim) Harbaugh, he asked Jaden why he plays football. Jaden responded that he loved the brutality and ability to inflict pain on other people. That really resonated with Coach Harbaugh. The two of them hit it off. Coach Herb (Ben Herbert) and the development was a big part. Jaden’s ceiling is high physically. He’s still growing. He’s a big kid. Hearing Coach Herb talk about his plan and seeing the progressions of other athletes with a similar profile as Jaden in his program was incredibly impressive. I’ve met some great strength and conditioning coaches along the way, but that was far and away, the most impressive presentation I’ve seen. The academic side was a big part. (Claiborne Green) laid out all the opportunities there. When we got there, we were watching a morning workout. This has never happened at any other program, but the starting quarterback, JJ (McCarthy), and Blake Corum came up and introduced themselves. They didn’t have to do that. That shows us what the program is all about. There is a humbleness to it. CP (Chris Partridge) is an elite recruiter. He knows how to talk to these kids. He made Jaden feel comfortable. Simply put, it was the entire package.”
On why Michigan is the right fit for Smith:
“Player development. You can tell when these schools are recruiting based off stars and what national recruiting folks are saying. You can also tell when schools are trusting their eyes. Coach (Jesse) Minter and CP trust their eyes. They see what Jaden can become. They were incredibly descriptive in their presentations of what he can be in their defense. Not only that, Jaden is a damn good special teams player. He blocked three kicks in one game in the playoffs. The next round, he blocked a punt and returned it for a touchdown. When we sat down with the special teams folks, they were highly engaged and also very descriptive with how Jaden fits. I’m pushing Jaden on the academics and what opportunities you’re going to have by having that degree. Michigan is one of the top institutions in the world. You’re not going to find many equals.”
On meeting with Jim Harbaugh:
“He’s a great dude. He’s easy to talk to. We had a great conversation. He was fired up. I love his intensity. Jaden asked him who some of the greatest linebackers are that he’s coached. It was really neat to hear him elaborate on NaVorro Bowman and Patrick Willis. It was interesting to hear about his football journey and why he loves the game. That really resonated with Jaden. They see it the same way. Coach Harbaugh is a good dude. He has a vision. It’s clear there is an inherent grittiness and toughness, but they are still cutting edge and modern. They are not archaic, and that’s a testament to Coach Harbaugh and everything he does.”
On the Michigan staff:
“CP and Coach Minter are fantastic people. They explain things in ways that are simple and easy to understand. They know football. The eat, drink and sleep football. They get it. On top of that, they’re funny. We also had a chance to hang out with Coach (Denard) Robinson and CB (Chris Bryant). Jay Harbaugh was great. They all love the game, and they care about how these kids develop. That’s important.”
On how Smith fits in at Michigan:
“I see Jaden getting up there, busting his ass and trusting the coaches to put him in a position to make plays. They are going to start him off at linebacker. That’s the plan. But for Jaden, it’s get up there and get to work. To be honest, Jaden doesn’t care what he plays. He knows if he works hard and is one of the best, he’ll get his opportunity to play.”
On what Michigan fans should know about Smith:
“He’s a gamer. He doesn’t blink in the toughest of situations. Football is fun for him. For some people, it’s hard. He embraces the tough moments. They play in a conference with some of the best teams North Carolina has to offer. Jaden always shows up in the biggest games. He’s tough. He’s criminally underrated. You get pads on that kid, and he turns into a different beast. He’s the meanest dog on the field. Every coach I’ve talked to always talk about how explosive he is. He flashes. When you watch his game, you can find yourself saying ‘shit!’ 3-5 times. He’s that type of player.”
On mentoring Smith:
“I met his mom through Serendipity (local therapy center). What I’ve been working with Jaden on is just making sure he understands the opportunities that football can provide him and help change his life. Making sure he gets to experience a lot. We’ve probably been on 15 college trips together. I’ve taken him to museums and introduced him to my business partners. I want to make sure he’s exposed to opportunities. He’s curious and smart. He’s obviously athletic and great at football. I want him to understand what he can be with football being a piece of that and not the entire thing.”
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