Will Smith Jr. National Signing Day 2023 player profile: Ohio State football recruiting

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State is anticipated to signal four-star defensive lineman Will Smith Jr. through the early signing interval for the 2023 recruiting class, which lasts from Dec. 21-23. Be taught extra about this member of the Buckeyes’ recruiting class with this profile.

Will Smith Jr.

Faculty: Dublin Coffman Faculty (Ohio).

Place: Defensive Line.

Peak, weight: 6-foot-3, 260 kilos.

247Sports score: 4-star prospect rated the No. 46 defensive lineman, the No. 10 participant in Ohio and the No. 323 participant within the nation in line with the 247Sports composite scores.

Different presents: Ball State, Boston Faculty, Duke, Georgia Tech, Illinois, Kentucky, Marshall, Miami (OH), Northwestern, Pittsburgh, Toledo and West Virginia.

What’s his deal?

Smith is a Buckeye legacy because the son of former OSU All-American defensive lineman Will Smith, who was a part of the 2002 nationwide championship group. However the four-star wasn’t simply given a proposal as a result of his dad performed there. He needed to struggle for his provide, attending a number of day camps and having to patiently wait till January 2022 to get one. As soon as he did, he jumped on the alternative 9 days later, shutting down his recruitment proper after.

How he matches into Ohio State’s plans

Smith initiatives out as a 3-technique defensive sort out in OSU’s 4-2-5 scheme and spent a ton of time final summer season working there by attending on a regular basis camp earlier than heading into his senior highschool season.

That’s a spot Ohio State likes to play depth, so his problem is to struggle his manner right into a rotation that may generally stand up to 6 gamers on the inside.

Projections for 2023

As of proper now, the depth within the defensive position room is robust. Michael Corridor Jr., Ty Hamilton and Tyleik Williams are anticipated to return because the leaders in snaps. Behind them shall be Hero Kanu, doubtlessly studying for his 12 months 2 breakout, whereas Jaden McKenzie may lastly carve out a much bigger function for himself as a fifth-year senior.

That leaves one open spot for a freshman to doubtlessly seize except somebody on the sting strikes inside. Although Smith will not be the one who grabs it as there may be undoubtedly be some bodily growth wanted for him to be able to play defensive sort out on the collegiate stage.

Learn extra about Smith

• Will Smith Jr. commits to Ohio State

• What Will Smith Jr.’s dedication means

Extra Ohio State Nationwide Signing Day profiles

• Miles Walker, 3-star offensive sort out

Advisable Buckeyes tales

· After Ohio State soccer’s offense once more stumbles towards Michigan, the place will Ryan Day make corrections?

· Ohio State soccer’s defensive rise leads to 3 first-team All-Large Ten honors

· Michigan beat Ohio State soccer on this pivotal stretch of The Sport for the second yr in a row

Get the newest Ohio State Buckeyes merchandise: Right here’s the place you possibly can order Ohio State soccer gear on-line, together with jerseys, T-shirts, hoodies, hats and rather more.

For those who or a cherished one has questions and desires to speak to knowledgeable about playing, name the Ohio Downside Playing Helpline at 1-800-589-9966 or the Nationwide Council on Program Playing Helpline (NCPG) at 1-800-522-4700.