Five-star edge target Jared Smith recaps his official visit to Florida State.
Chris Nee
TALLAHASSEE -- Alabaster (Ala.) Thompson five-star edge Jared Smith got Florida State's full plans for him if he were to wear Garnet and Gold during his midweek official visit. He spoke in-depth about spending time with head coach Mike Norvell, defensive ends coach John Papuchis, current defensive end Patrick Payton, and shared a lot of thoughts on why FSU could ultimately be his landing spot:
FSU is competing with Auburn, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and USC. He has officially visited all those schools, except for Auburn andUSC. He is set to see USC this upcoming weekend. Auburn official visit is likely to come during the season, after he makes a decision. Auburn is also expecting him in July for Big Cat Weekend, on an unofficial visit.
There are currently no predictions on the 247Sports.com Crystal Ball for Smith.
He has said he intends to decide before his senior season.
Smith is ranked by 247Sports.com as the No. 19 prospect in the nation and No. 2 edge in the class. He is considered the No. 2 player from Alabama in the 2025 class. The 247Sports.com Composite Recruiting Rankings are slightly lower on him, ranking him at No. 57 overall, No. 4 at his position, and No. 4 in his home state.
Here is the scouting report on Smith from Cooper Petagna, 247Sports.com National Recruiting Analyst:Verified at 6-foot-6 ½ and 235-pounds in February of 2024, Smith possesses prototypical size and elite length off the edge as he's primarily positioned as a 5-technique in an even front in addition to flashing some ability as a standup edge in situational pass rushing downs. Exhibits good foot and body quickness for his size, showing the ability to bend the edge and win with a combination of quickness and athleticism off the line of scrimmage. Appears to play with above average play speed but is still obviously growing into the position in regards to striking and physicality at the point of attack. Will need to learn how to utilize his length and play to his frame as he continues to add weight to what is better described as a basketball physique at this point of his physical development. Possesses all the physical characteristics collegiate programs and NFL organizations seek at the defensive line and or edge position but must continue to refine his skill set from a technical and play strength standpoint to reach his full potential. Projects as a high level multi-year starter at a Power Four program with the ability to one day mature into a Day-1 or Day-2 NFL Draft choice. Will more than likely take a year or two to develop at the collegiate level before seeing considerable snaps.
How was the visit?
"The official visit was great. It's the best one I've been on so far. "
What did you want to get out of this visit and learn?
"Really the aspect of who I'm playing with. Big emphasis on getting with the players this weekend, and I think that helped me."
What players did you spend time with and what were some takeaways from that?
"I got around Pat Payton and some of those guys, and I was just asking them how they like it here, and what the everyday thing is."
What did Payton tell you?
"'Why not choose Florida State?' Draft picks almost every year, like Jared Verse last year. There were ten draft picks last year, so why not?"
What's the difference between this visit and ones you've taken before? What jumped out most to you?
"Man, the whole staff is into it. As soon as we walked in, the whole staff was ready to greet us and stuff. That was really big."
What did the players tell you about Coach John Papuchis? Was it different from anything you've seen or heard before?
"Not at all. What you see is what you get."
What's it like seeing Norvell in his element?
"Man, he's always like that. Since the first time I stepped on campus, he's always been like that, so it's no shock to me."
How does FSU plan to utilize you?
"I'm a four-down defensive end, and they like to play the defensive ends a lot, so why not choose Florida State?"
What is that they do with DEs that appeals to you?
"They produce. They develop, as you've seen with Pat Payton. I was watching film with Pat Payton and he was a freshman wearing No. 56. They develop."
You've visited multiple times in the past. Did you do anything new here?
"We had fun, we cooked. We went bowling and Coach (Adam) Fuller beat me."
What's Norvell's message to you?
"His biggest message is that he's never been trying to recruit me. He's trying to get to know me, and if I choose to go to Florida State, then he's going to try to get the best out of me."
Where is FSU standing now after this visit versus where they stood before it?
"FSU has always been high on my list, so that hasn't really changed."
Did it increase any after this visit?
"Yes sir, definitely."
In what way?
"In a positive way. Just seeing and getting with the players. That was my biggest thing this weekend."
Weekend plans and upcoming decision:
Smith plans to visit USC this weekend, which will be his last visit before he makes his college decision.
Do you have a set timeline to make your decision?
"I'm looking at the start of August."
Do you plan to see Auburn at the end of July?
"Yes sir."
Is your decision basically down to the schools you officially visited and Auburn?
"Yes sir."
With several official visits under your belt, do you have an idea of where the right place is for you?
"Definitely."
What are you looking for in the school that you choose?
"Really just a home feeling. Getting to know people and feeling at home with the coaching staff."
