Minnesota Football Recruiting: DB C.J. Smith signs letter of intent on Early National Signing Day

C.J. Smith
Position: Cornerback
Height: 6’1’’
Weight: 175

Hometown: Neptune Beach, FL

247 Sports Composite Rating: .8423

Power 5 Scholarship Offers: Mississippi State

TDG Commitment Profile

Scouting Report

Smith is the kind of defensive back who can line up anywhere in the secondary, having both played cornerback and safety at the prep school level. As a cornerback, he is disciplined against double-moves and has the speed to stick with receivers running downfield. As a safety, he can read and react to anticipate where the ball is going, and has no problem changing direction when in pursuit. His tackling could use some work, but he plays aggressive and is all over the field. Smith’s savvy makes up for some of his shortcomings.

Potential Impact

Smith can play cornerback or safety, but the Gophers coaching staff will start him out at the cornerback position in fall camp. With that being the case, I’d expect Smith to redshirt this season. Minnesota returns six scholarship cornerbacks, including Florida transfer Chris Williamson and redshirt freshman Rey Estes. Based on word of mouth, the coaching staff is very high on Estes. Senior Antonio Shenault and redshirt sophomore Kiondre Thomas, last season’s starting cornerbacks, both return, as well.

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