Four-star LB who decommitted from Michigan after Jim Harbaugh left for NFL picks Kentucky
The move of Jim Harbaugh from Michigan to the NFL has provided a boost for Kentucky football’s 2024 roster.
Four-star Charlotte, North Carolina, prep linebacker Jaden Smith committed to UK on Tuesday after previously signing with Michigan in December, according to The Charlotte Observer. Smith was released from his national letter of intent at Michigan after Harbaugh followed the Wolverines’ national championship by accepting the Los Angeles Chargers’ head coaching job.
The 247Sports Composite, which averages the ratings of the major recruiting services, ranks Smith as the No. 11 athlete in the high school class of 2024. Smith previously showed interest in Kentucky, visiting Lexington before his senior season at West Charlotte High School.
As a senior, Smith was named The Charlotte Observer’s high school defensive player of the year. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound linebacker totaled 91 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, three blocked punts and two blocked field goals.
Smith is the fifth-highest rated commitment in Kentucky’s 2024 class, according to the 247Sports Composite. He is the seventh commitment with a consensus four-star rating.
Jaden is the fifth player with the last name Smith to join Kentucky’s 2024 high school class, following twin brothers and Corbin High School stars Jacob and Jerod Smith and Georgia prep linebackers Antwan Smith and Devin Smith.
