When it comes to elite college football recruits, few names stand out as much as Jared Smith. A 5-star defensive end hailing from the talent-rich state of Alabama, Smith has been turning heads with his exceptional ability to rush the passer and disrupt opposing offenses. As a key player in Auburn’s recruitment class, Smith’s skill set and potential are raising expectations for the Tigers’ defense in the years to come. Recently, Smith opened up about his game and his approach to wreaking havoc off the edge, an aspect of his play that has made him one of the most sought-after recruits in the country.
Jared Smith: A 5-Star Talent with Elite Potential
Before diving into what makes Smith such a disruptive force off the edge, it’s important to understand what has led him to his 5-star status. Standing at 6’5” and weighing 250 pounds, Smith is a physical specimen who possesses the ideal frame for a pass-rusher. His combination of size, speed, and strength makes him a nightmare for offensive tackles to block, and his explosive first step allows him to gain an edge on blockers quickly. Smith is known for his relentless pursuit of the quarterback, his ability to disrupt the run game, and his versatility to line up in multiple spots along the defensive line.
Smith’s high school career has been a showcase of his ability to change the game. Whether it’s by forcing turnovers, sacking the quarterback, or simply collapsing the pocket, he’s consistently been a game-changer for his team. His skill set has been honed through years of hard work and dedication, and it’s no surprise that he’s emerged as one of the most coveted defensive players in the country.
The Mindset of a Pass Rusher: “Causing Havoc Off the Edge”
One of the key factors that sets Smith apart from other defensive prospects is his mentality. In a recent interview, Smith discussed his approach to causing havoc off the edge, and how his mindset has been crucial to his success. For Smith, it’s not just about getting sacks or tackles for loss—it’s about disrupting the entire offense.
“When I’m coming off the edge, my goal is to make the quarterback uncomfortable,” Smith explained. “I want to get in their face, cause them to hurry their throws, or even better, get to them before they can even release the ball. It’s not just about the sack; it’s about making the quarterback think about me every time they drop back to pass. That’s how you cause havoc.”
Smith’s mentality is grounded in a relentless desire to dominate his opponent. He views every snap as an opportunity to put pressure on the quarterback and disrupt the timing of the offense. His understanding of how to use his speed and strength to attack offensive linemen has made him one of the most dangerous edge rushers in the nation. It’s this mindset of constant pressure and aggression that makes Smith such a dangerous force on the field.
Explosive First Step
One of the key components of Smith’s success as a pass rusher is his explosive first step off the line of scrimmage. His quickness off the edge allows him to get the jump on offensive linemen, making it difficult for them to get into their blocking stance before he’s already around them. This explosive burst is a trait that many of the best pass rushers in college football share, and Smith has developed it into one of his most lethal weapons.
“Getting off the line fast is critical,” Smith said. “If you’re not explosive at the start, you’re already behind the play. I’ve worked a lot on my get-off, and it’s something that’s been a huge part of my success. Once I get past the tackle, it’s just about keeping my momentum going and finishing the play.”
That explosive first step not only allows Smith to pressure quarterbacks but also makes him a threat against the run. Offensive linemen have to respect his speed and quickness off the edge, which forces them to commit to blocking him earlier in the play. This makes it harder for them to stay engaged with him, allowing Smith to slip past blockers and make plays in the backfield.
Counter Moves and Adaptability
While his explosive first step is a key asset, Smith is also adept at using a variety of counter moves to keep offensive linemen on their toes. Whether it’s a spin move, swim move, or bull rush, Smith has a well-rounded skill set that allows him to adjust his approach depending on the situation.
“I like to have a toolbox of moves,” Smith said. “Every offensive lineman is different, and every play is different. Sometimes, the quick speed rush works, and sometimes I have to use a counter move to get past the tackle. The key is being adaptable and always having an answer for what they’re doing.”
Smith’s ability to mix up his pass-rushing techniques makes him difficult to predict, and it’s one of the reasons why he’s so effective at disrupting opposing offenses. Offensive tackles have to constantly be on alert, as they never know what move Smith will use next. This unpredictability is a big reason why Smith is such a feared pass rusher and has gained a reputation for “causing havoc off the edge.”
The Impact of Coaching and Development at Auburn
As a highly sought-after recruit, Smith had several top programs vying for his commitment. Ultimately, he decided to join Auburn, a program known for its rich football tradition and competitive SEC environment. The Tigers’ coaching staff, led by head coach Hugh Freeze and defensive coordinator Ron Roberts, has made it clear that they plan to develop Smith into a dominant force on their defense.
For Smith, the opportunity to work with a coaching staff that values defensive development was a major factor in his decision. “Auburn has a great defensive tradition, and I’m excited to be a part of it,” Smith said. “Coach Freeze and Coach Roberts have been great, and I’m looking forward to learning from them. They know how to develop pass rushers, and that’s what I want to do—take my game to the next level.”
Auburn has a long history of producing elite defensive players, particularly along the defensive line. From former stars like Carlos Dunlap to current standouts such as Derick Hall, the Tigers have a reputation for developing players who excel at wreaking havoc in the backfield. With Smith’s natural talent and the coaching staff’s ability to refine that talent, it’s clear that Auburn is the ideal place for him to continue his development.
The Future of Jared Smith at Auburn
Looking ahead, Jared Smith has the potential to be one of the most impactful players in college football. His combination of size, speed, and technique makes him a unique talent, and his mindset of “causing havoc off the edge” is one that aligns perfectly with the physical, fast-paced nature of SEC football. As Smith continues to develop under Auburn’s coaching staff, there’s no doubt that he will become a key player for the Tigers in their quest for SEC and national titles.
With his ability to disrupt both the pass and run games, Smith is poised to be a game-changer for Auburn. Whether he’s lining up in a traditional defensive end position or playing a hybrid role, Smith’s ability to create chaos off the edge will be a major asset to the Tigers’ defense. Opposing quarterbacks will undoubtedly feel the pressure every time Smith steps onto the field, as he has the tools and mindset to be one of the most disruptive players in college football.
Conclusion: A Future Star on the Edge
Jared Smith’s ability to “cause havoc off the edge” is one of the key reasons why he’s considered one of the top defensive recruits in the country. His combination of physicality, explosiveness, and football IQ makes him a nightmare for offensive linemen and quarterbacks alike. As he continues his journey at Auburn, Smith’s potential to dominate on the field is limitless. With the guidance of Auburn’s coaching staff and his unrelenting desire to make plays, Jared Smith is destined to be a star in the SEC and beyond. Fans of Auburn and college football alike will be eagerly watching as Smith continues to make his mark and causes even more havoc off the edge in the years to come.