From the road: Thoughts on On300 Michigan LB commit Jaden Smith

*** My first thought when seeing On300 Michigan linebacker commit Jaden Smith was ‘Jay Harbaugh is going to love this kid.’ On the very first play of the game, Smith raced down the field on kickoff coverage and laid the wood. It was a statement to start his senior season. Smith would have another tackle on kickoff coverage later in the game. He also helped Charlotte (N.C.) West Charlotte build momentum in the first half by blocking a punt that resulted in a touchdown. Smith blocked several punts and kicks as a junior and takes a ton of pride in being a top special teams performer. That will allow him to get on the field quickly at Michigan. There is no doubt Harbaugh has been paying attention to Smith’s special teams work at the high school level.

*** That’s cool, EJ, but what about Smith as an actual linebacker? Remember, Michigan recruited Smith as a defensive athlete. I had a chance to see Smith at the Under Armour camp in Charlotte this summer and was immediately impressed with his athletic profile. At 6-foot-2, 195 pounds, Smith looked extremely athletic and fast going through individual drills and covering running backs and tights ends in 1v1s. That camp took place in the spring. Since then, Smith has added some good weight to his frame and appeared to be playing around 205. I don’t think Smith will have much trouble playing in the 220s at Michigan, especially under Ben Herbert. Smith can play the WILL, but he’s also capable of playing MIKE and coming off the edge.

*** In fact, I thought Smith was at his best when he was allowed to pin his ears back and get after the quarterback. Smith is really long for only being listed at 6-foot-2, and he complements that by having a quick first step and high-level speed in general. Smith only blitzed on occasion, though, and actually spent most of his time in pass coverage. Smith didn’t give up any big plays and helped his defense keep everything short. Smith also showed great sideline-to-sideline speed and the ability to keep up with quicker slots. Overall, Smith’s athleticism and speed makes him a great fit for Jesse Minter’s scheme at Michigan. The Wolverines need athletic backers that can run, and Smith is certainly that.

*** But… Smith is still very much a work in progress. I actually asked a few local reporters what they thought about Smith, and all shared the same opinion. He’s a big, fast athlete, but can he develop? That’s the biggest question I have as well. Smith is a build-an-athlete, and like I said, I don’t foresee any issues with him adding weight, but he’s still very raw. Smith doesn’t play technically sound and did get lost in coverage a few times. Herbert will take care of him in the strength and conditioning program, but Minter and Chris Partridge will be tasked with turning this exciting ball of clay into a ball player. The ceiling is sky high here, but the floor is also low. The good news is Michigan obviously has a great track record of development. I think U-M is the perfect situation for a guy like Smith. The Wolverines are very capable of maximizing his talent and natural gifts.

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