Next up we dive back into the CB position and select Catholic Memorial’s CB1, Zy’aire Smith Zy’aire Smith 5'11" | 160 lbs | DB/ATH Catholic Memorial | 2027 State WI . Smith is a fantastic talent out wide. He is twitchy, explosive, reacts to WRs in a split second and has the recovery speed to get back to their hip if he ever slips off. The ’27 CB also has a great closing burst that he will use to either make a play on the ball or deliver a hard hit. Smith will surprise you with his violent tackles.

Next up we have a dominant pure CB out of Catholic Memorial. Zy’aire is going to shine this summer. He is extremely twitchy with the reactive athleticism to be able to stick to his man through routes as if he knows what the play was. That athleticism allows him the chance to be aggressive at the line and get hands on because Smith has the speed to be able to recover very quickly. I love how aggressive the 2027 CB is at the catch too while also showing great timing as to not draw penalties. I am very confident that Zy’aire will be one of the best performing CBs this summer. Big things ahead for him.

Stats: 4 Receptions, 80 Yards, 1 TD, 3 Tackles, 1 TFL, 1 PBU

One of my favorite CBs in the state is the junior out of Catholic Memorial. In Level 3 the 2027 made his presence felt on both sides of the ball. At CB we once again got to see the excellent awareness in zone coverage and closing speed to make plays on the ball or tackle. You have to love the fearless way Smith flies in to make tackles. On offense the junior showed off the speed and the ball skills. Especially on his TD catch where he did a great job of getting on top of the DB and tracking the ball perfectly over his shoulder. Smith is such a gifted athlete and an impactful playmaker on the field. He has to be on your boards for the 2027 cycle.

I love the talent and potential within the 2027 CB out of Catholic Memorial. His talent in coverage is firmly in the battle for best in the state. He is so twitchy and so quick to read and react to WR breaks, keeping him glued to his man’s hip. The only way that Zy’aire could play routes better would be if the WR told him what he was about to run. Smith is that elite acceleration, quick feet, and top end speed to be able to turn and run all over the field with his man. It is also great to see how aggressive he is when the ball arrives, getting him hands into the catch point or making strong tackles if the catch is made. When looking at CBs here in WI you have to include Zy’aire!

Rankings Rise: 56 -> 22

Zy’aire has quickly put himself into the running for top CB in his Class and one of the more naturally gifted DBs in the state. Smith is so quick to read and react and his closing speed is elite. From his change of direction to his acceleration to his top end speed, Smith has the athletic tools to shine in zone or man coverage. The sophomore does a great job trusting his eyes and attacking without hesitation leading to so many plays by him. Watching through the highlights it seems like the ’27 CB is always in the right place at the right time to make a big play. It is impressive watching Smith tackle one on one. He closes quickly, wraps up, and runs through the ball carrier. You don’t see many CBs that can cover like him and also be so willing to run support and tackle. Keep a close eye on this kid. His rise up the rankings might not be done.