Interview: 3-Star 2021 California ATH Jaylin Smith Talks Breakout Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
All the pieces of the puzzle were on display for Class of 2021 athlete Jaylin Smith during his sophomore campaign, and he put even more of it together during his junior run giving a clear picture of what the outcome will look like as the work-in-progress continues. As Smith continues to fine-tune his craft with Los Angeles’ area Bishop Alemany High School college programs are taking notice.
In 2018, Smith worked to become an impact player for the Warriors in all three phases of the game. On offense, he snagged 12 passes for 162 yards and on special teams took back three kicks for 110 yards with four punts going the other way for 37 more yards. His defensive play that season earned him second team All-League honors after bringing down 31 ball carriers with 18 solo stops, a sack, forced two fumbles, deflected three passes and picked off three.
With progress in his game expected from all, Smith did not disappoint. The 5-11, 180-pound, three-star recruit increased his production on offense securing 10 passes for 211 with two scores and ran the rock 14 times for 159 yards with two more trips into the end zone. He pushed his special teams play with eight kicks returned for 156 yards and took his one punt return back for 40. Smith’s continued improvement on defense brought first team All-Mission League honors registering 60 tackles, 29 solo, four tackles for a loss with two interceptions.
Smith’s overall abilities have brought in offers from Oregon and USC with interest stirring among Pac-12, SEC, and Big 12 programs. To learn about it all, I sat down with Smith for an information interview.
Interview
Jaylin, your junior season was filled with dynamic plays and in all three phases. Do you have a favorite play of yours from the 2019 season?
“Yes. In the Tesoro playoff game, I had a slant route that went for 93-yards. That was probably my best and most memorable. That was a two-touchdown game (five carries for 89 yards with a touchdown).
The speed you display on the field is elite. How fast are you?
“I haven’t run the 40 in a long time. I am guessing a 4.52. I have worked on my speed.”
Over the past two seasons you’ve perhaps made a bigger impact on defense. What do you feel are the strengths to your game as a defensive back?
“On the field I am a leader, vocally and mentally. I lead by example and I am team player first. I contribute by being that guy helping everyone and being an asset on the field. I wanted to be that person to step up and lead my team. With my play, I am patient at the line, my back pedal is smooth, I see everything, and I am aggressive. The use of my hands is a strength too. I get off blocks and I am good at making open field tackles.”
Which parts of your game as a defender improved in 2019?
“My understanding of what was to come. My pre-snap reads, that was a factor in my games. Reading the plays and having more knowledge for the game improved a lot this season.”
All that athletic ability you have was fun to watch on offense. The ball in your hands, it looks natural. What gets you excited about making plays on that side of the ball?
“Thank you, sir. My guys trusting me. They know what I am going to do with it. I am motivated by my teammates. I am motivated by the fans and our coaches; I feed off their energy. I want to be the guy to go to and make a play when needed.”
You were taking the ball out of the backfield and running routes this past season. What were some of the designed play calls coming out of the backfield to get you the ball and what were some of the routes you were running?
“I ran quick things to get in space. At running back, I was running swing passes out of the backfield, outs, and the smoke screens to get me in space with the defender. I did some delayed drags too; let everything flow and come underneath the play.”
What is the focus of your offseason workouts?
“The focus is to put on more muscle. I am taking the weight room seriously. I am now preparing for college. I want to add more knowledge for the game and add onto my leadership skills. I want to be better and faster. I am working on my explosiveness.”
Which schools have offered you so far?
“Oregon and USC.”
Beyond Oregon and USC, which schools are showing interest?
“Notre Dame, Washington, Cal, Arizona State, Arizona, Oregon State, San Diego State, Florida, and Oklahoma are showing interest.”
Did you visit any programs during the season?
“Yes. I went to USC and UCLA.”
How did the USC trip go?
“It went really well. That was when I got my first offer. That was after the Chaminade game, I was offered on the field before kickoff.”
That’s awesome. And UCLA, how did that visit go?
“It went well. That was my first-time meeting Coach (Chip) Kelly. They beat Colorado. I developed a relationship with their DB coaches during the visit.”
Nice. Do you have any planned visits ahead?
“On Feb. 1 I will be at South Bend for a Junior Day and I plan on taking an unofficial to Washington.”
Are you competing at any national camps this spring?
“I am competing at the Under Armour All-American Camp, The Opening, and at all the local camps.”
Jaylin, thanks for your time today and good luck at the upcoming camps.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Smith family; Jaylin Smith at USC