Syracuse Football Recruiting: Orange Snag Commit from LB Jaqurius Smith

The Syracuse football team added some late talent to the roster for the 2018 season. Who is he and what can he provide? We discuss.

The Syracuse football squad picked up another commitment in the class of 2018 on Tuesday. Jaqurius Smith, a 6-foot-3 linebacker from Lakeland High School in Florida has pledged Orange.

The Orange already had some talented linebackers thanks to Dino Babers’ recruiting efforts. While a late addition is better than none at all for the Cuse.

This decision became official once Smith announced his commitment via Twitter:

Smith’s lengthy 6-foot-3 frame will be a perfect fit as an outside linebacker for Syracuse. While in coach Dino Babers’ Tampa-2 defensive scheme, outside linebackers need to be able to cover slot receivers and tight ends.

Jaqurius “Jack” Smith also received offers from the likes of South Florida, Western Kentucky, and Purdue. Smith is a consensus three star prospect and per 247sports he is the 45th best OLB in the class of 2018.

Lets break down this youngster’s film:

While at the :10 second mark, Smith sets the tone. In this play he’s lined up at an OLB position and he comes up in run support. Smith sees the field very well, he reads where the running back is going and he comes up to deliver a jarring hit on the running back.

At the 1:02 mark on the highlight tape Smith drops back into what appears to be a zone coverage.

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While the quarterback makes a man miss and flushes out of the pocket towards a wide open receiver. He makes the pass and then out of nowhere Smith looks like he’s shot out of a cannon and he comes up and deflects the pass. He is extremely quick in the open field, and he used nice ball skills to avoid the pass interference and deflect the pass.

Analysis continues…

While the next play I want to look at occurs at the 3:43 mark. Smith is lined up at an OLB spot, and the other team calls a run play to the opposite side of the field. While he uses that great field vision to read where the running back is going, beats him to the spot and delivers a nice hit that halts his progress before the goal line. Although Smith is listed as an OLB he is very impressive in run support and if he put on some weight he could probably play middle linebacker.

While at the 5:25 mark we actually do see the 6-foot 3 210-pound Smith lined up at middle linebacker. The other team calls a direct snap to the running back, and once again we see Smith use his good instincts. He tracks the ball carrier and weaves between blockers to force a fumble and tackle the ball carrier. Smith is impressive in run support.

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While overall this appears to be a very good pick up for Babers and the Orange. Any time you get a player from Florida its a positive. Smith’s measurable and skill set appear to fit well into the Tampa-2 defense.