It’s been a couple of weeks since the Huskies made an offer to Bishop Alemany corner, Jaylin Smith, but that offer definitely made a big impression on Smith, and there’s good reason.
“It’s definitely big for me”, the 6-0, 175 defensive back told Realdawg.com this week, “Growing up…it’s been kind of my dream school.”
There’s a couple former Huskies who Smith knows and goes back a ways with; John Ross for one.
“I’ve been up there twice”, Smith continued, “I like the tradition, that they play and compete and the highest level, and the mentality they play with. It’s a brotherhood. I also like the academics.”
Smith said the thing that draws him into Washington is, well, just about “everything”, but he also is interested in the academics he can get at a school like Washington.
Smith is a perfect example of guys that Will Harris is drawn to; he’s fast, he’s agile, he’s a ball hawk, and he plays with a huge chip on his shoulder. On the field Smith is able to stay in phase with his man on the deep ball, gets good break on the ball, and is aggressive in his coverage skills. Right now his technique is right on par with where it needs to be at this point and he has a real high ceiling at the next level.
“I feel like I’m a vocal leader, but I still try to lead by example”, Smith said of his strengths.
Last season he posted 70 total tackles; 30 solo, plus three picks and five touchdowns. Smith is also strong in special teams.
Right now Smith holds nine total offers, but you can bet his stock is going to continue to rise in the months ahead and Washington was smart to get in the door early on.
“I talk to Coach Lake, Coach Harris, and I talk to Coach Brown just about everyday”, he said, “I plan to get back up the week of April 17th.”
One thing Smith also likes about Washington is that the former defensive backs coach is now the head coach, “He just knows how to get the best out of players and gets them prepared for the NFL” he said.
