Smith proved he belonged on the varsity level as a sophomore in 2025. He collected 25.0 tackles. Thirteen of the stops were solo, and he added an interception, 2.5 tackles for loss and a sack. Smith caught one pass for nine yards. His 10th-grade highlight video opens your eyes as a well-rounded athlete with big upside appears. Smith plays fast and with a purpose, getting downhill in a hurry and breaking down the ball carrier. Fluid hip movement, long arms and smooth changing of directions allows him to stick with receivers in coverage. They create small windows for opposing quarterbacks to throw through. It’s a projectable frame with room to fill out. Iowa State, Illinois, Northern Iowa and others have invited him to games this season.

Smith proved to be an important piece of the puzzle at Crestwood this past fall. The sophomore posted 25.0 tackles. Thirteen of those stops were solo, and he recorded an interception, 2.5 tackles for loss and a sack. Smith caught one pass for nine yards. His 10th-grade highlight video reveals a student-athlete that identifies the opponent’s plan keenly and absolutely flies to the football. Smith operates with a quick tempo. He shows straight-line and lateral speed, breaking well on the ball in coverage and getting downhill in a hurry against the run. Smith embraces the game’s physicality.