Michigan Football Adds Edge Rusher Jacob Smith
After receiving a commitment from Elias Rudolph a couple weeks ago, Michigan received another one on the edge Thursday. Jacob Smith, a four-star edge rusher from Cheshire Academy in Connecticut, chose the Wolverines over Nebraska after taking visits to both schools in June. Smith ranks as the 17th edge rusher and 211th overall recruit in the nation per 247Sports Composite. His twin brother, Jerod Smith, is also a four-star defensive lineman and committed to the Wolverines in April. With his brother in his ear, Michigan always seemed to have an advantage with this recruitment. Smith’s commitment puts Michigan at 26 total pledges and the overall class ranks fourth in the nation behind Georgia, Ohio State, and Florida.
What Does This Mean For Michigan?
At 6-4 and 230 pounds, Jacob is more of a true edge prospect than his brother. He is a good athlete who can lign up with his hand in the dirt or standing up. He has good get-off and is able to use his quickness and bend to get around blockers. Smith is a good pass rusher, but he also has the athleticism to drop into space and cover ground if needed. He has the frame and athletic traits that Michigan typically covets and should develop into a contributor with more development. His versatile skillset is similar to current Wolverines starter Jaylen Harrell and Smith could fill that role in the future.
Despite some misses on the recruiting trail, the Wolverines have secured commitments from several top-edge targets. Landing Smith is likely to be the final edge commitment this cycle barring a big move with four-star Brian Robinson. Smith is the fourth edge rusher to join Michigan’s class within the last month. The Wolverines have put together an intriguing group of prospects at the position this cycle in terms of pure size and athleticism. Smith, Rudolph, Dominic Nichols, and Devon Baxter each bring something a little different and have the upside to outplay their current rankings. Edge rusher was a top need coming into this cycle and defensive line coach Mike Elston has done a good job of replenishing the position with high-upside players.
Regardless of what happens with Robinson, edge rusher has become less of a need due to recent commitments. Michigan will turn its attention to the secondary and wide receiver as they look to close out their 2024 class. Four-star safety Jacob Oden remains the only secondary commit so far. Top targets include four-star Ohio cornerback Aaron Scott and four-star safety Zaquan Patterson. Scott is set to announce his commitment on July 30th and the Wolverines continue to make a push for Patterson. As for wide receiver, Michigan is firmly in the race for four-stars Gatlin Bair and Jordan Shipp. The Wolverines are expected to land both pass catchers but will face stiff competition for both. Shipp will announce his commitment on July 16th. Michigan has commitments from three-star recruits I’Marion Stewart and Channing Goodwin, but have two spots remaining at the position.
Photo courtesy: Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK
