Tahj Smith, - Prep Redzone

Tahj Smith

Defensive Line

2026 Class

6'2" Height

175 Weight

Paramus Catholic School

State Rank
Position Rank

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About Tahj

Tahj Smith is a 6'2" Defensive Line in the 2026 class. Smith attends Paramus Catholic in New Jersey. Smith's Player Profile was created on October 5, 2021. Subscribe to Prep Redzone to see where Tahj Smith is ranked and what our scouts have written about them.

Expert Analysis

Earnest Daniels

Prep Redzone Lead Scout

Tahj Smith Tahj Smith 6'2" | 175 lbs | DL Paramus Catholic | 2026 State NJ delivered one of the most game-changing moments of the championship, and he did it with the traits that make him such an intriguing prospect. At 6’2” with long arms and natural athleticism, Smith looks the part the moment he steps on the field — and in this matchup, he played the part as well.

Early in the second half, Smith made the type of impact play that shifts momentum. Coming unblocked off the edge, he exploded toward Derek Zammit Derek Zammit 6'0" | 170 lbs | QB DePaul Catholic | 2026 State NJ and delivered a clean, decisive sack that immediately tightened the game. That takedown pulled Paramus Catholic within one score and gave them the jolt they desperately needed at that point.

Moreover, Smith’s burst, length, and finishing ability were on full display in that sequence. He closed space quickly, took a strong angle, and finished the play with poise — the exact traits college staffs look for in long, developmental defensive ends.

Even though Paramus Catholic didn’t come away with the title, Tahj Smith Tahj Smith 6'2" | 175 lbs | DL Paramus Catholic | 2026 State NJ absolutely made his presence felt. His timely sack changed the game’s dynamic and highlighted his upside as a defender who can deliver in big moments.

6 months ago

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Read Evaluation

Brendan Mankarious

Prep Redzone Lead Scout

Tahj Smith Tahj Smith 6'2" | 175 lbs | DL Paramus Catholic | 2026 State NJ was an interesting prospect to watch. I am unsure if he is a hand-in-the-dirt sort of defender, one who can play in space, both, or a hybrid. What film does show is though is that he worls his hands well, particularly swipe and clubs, while also snatching defenders down and finishing with rips. His hands allow Smith to feel pressure and disengage from there. When tackling Smith gets hands on his opponent and wraps very well. Lastly, Smith has shown a burst at moments when unblocked and the more and more I watched of his film, the more I liked his effort when defending the run.

10 months ago

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Jonathan Davalos

Prep Redzone Lead Scout

DePaul Catholic’s Tahj Smith Tahj Smith 6'2" | 175 lbs | DL Paramus Catholic | 2026 State NJ is set up for an exciting sophomore season. Standing at 6’2″ already and the frame needed to be a big name edge rusher, Tahj will be looking to get his name out to the rest of country after this season. A player with long arms to keep offensive linemen far away, and a powerful punch to go with it, Tahj has the strength and reach that can make him an elite pass rusher. Very explosive off of the ball as well, watch Tahj as he explodes onto the field in 2023.