Ryder Smith
Ryder Smith
About Ryder
Expert Analysis
Michael Huntley | Prep Redzone Scout
Smith had eight tackles, two for a loss and a forced fumble for Great Oak in a win over Cajon. He also ran for three touchdowns on offense.
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Read EvaluationMichael Huntley | Prep Redzone Scout
Smith is a two-way star for Great Oak who had 133 tackles, 9.5 sacks and ran for 1,487 yards last season.
He is a beast in the middle who closes to the ball quickly and gets in the backfield frequently. Smith makes quick reads and gets to the line of scrimmage before most offensive linemen have time to bounce off their double teams to him.
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Read EvaluationMichael Huntley | Prep Redzone Scout
Smith is a built two-way player for Great Oak at running back and linebacker.
He has rushed for 1031 yards with 12 touchdowns and leads the team with 107 tackles and 16 for a loss.
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Read EvaluationJordan Reyes | Prep Redzone Scout
Smith is a hard nosed and physical LB prospect at 6’1” 220 lbs. He plays downhill and excels stuffing the run both between the tackles and to the boundary. Strong at the POA, he brings heavy thump and rarely gives ground upon contact. Tough to break once he gets his hands on the ball carrier while doing a great job wrapping up to the ground. Also operates well as an inside delayed blitzer that can rush the QB and make plays behind the LOS, finished the 2023 season with 21 TFL in addition to his 104 total tackles. Racked up post season accolades including First Team All-State, First Team All-CIF, and First Team All-Section. Performed well at the PRZ SoCal Showcase where he was a top performer and should see a bump in recruiting as the cycle progresses.
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Read EvaluationZack Reyes | Prep Redzone Scout
Smith is a player I’ve been tracking since seeing his film as a starting freshman LB for Great Oak a few seasons ago. He’s an extremely physical defender at 6’1″/220 that led his team in tackles (104), sacks (4), and TFLs (21) as a sophomore. He showed great technique in the use of his hands and movement in pass-rush drills on Sunday and continues to show improvement in his range in coverage. On film, he’s a physical run-stuffer between the tackles that’s at his best when attacking the backfield downhill and exploiting gaps as a delayed blitzer. If he can continue to develop his range and fluidity in coverage- and with the upside he offers as a run-stuffer and pass rusher- Smith should continue to ascend SoCal’s LB ranks.
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Read EvaluationMichael Huntley | Prep Redzone Scout
Smith competed in a Stock Up Showcase last season and was a top three tester among the linebackers in every speed category.
He is built like a senior and has the potential to take home MVP honors.
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Read EvaluationMichael Huntley | Prep Redzone Scout
Smith led Great Oak with 104 tackles, 11 for a loss, four sacks, a fumble recovery and a blocked field goal.
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Read EvaluationMichael Huntley | Prep Redzone Scout
Ryder Smith
Ryder
Smith
6'1" | 225 lbs | LB/RB
Great Oak | 2026
State
CA
is seventh among sophomores in the Southern Section in tackles with 90.
He is a big weight room guy who has a lot of muscle for a sophomore.
Smith reads defenses well as an inside backer and has good closing speed to the ball.
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Read EvaluationZack Reyes | Prep Redzone Scout
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