Draft:Jaylen Smith (Canadian football)

Jaylen Smith (born March 1, 2002) is a Canadian football player who plays as an outside linebacker[1] for the University of North Texas.[1][2] He began his collegiate career as a preferred walk-on, gradually moving up through special teams to secure a scholarship and a starting role.[2][3][4][5]

Early life and education

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Smith was born in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, and attended St. Thomas More Catholic Secondary School, where he began developing his football skills.[1] During high school, he played for the U16 Canada and Ontario Football teams, earning recognition as the Special Teams Player of the Tournament.[6] Smith spent a post-graduate year at St. Thomas More Prep School in Oakdale, Connecticut[6], after completing his junior year at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. He continued both his academic and athletic pursuits at the University of North Texas[1], joining the football team in 2021.[4][7][6]

Career

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Smith started his collegiate football career in 2021, playing 13 games primarily on special teams and recording 14 tackles, leading UNT with 12 special teams tackles.[3][7][8] Notable contributions included two tackles against UTSA and three tackles at FIU.[7][8] In his sophomore season in 2022, he earned a scholarship before the start of the season and played in all 14 games[citation needed], recording 15 tackles and 2.0 tackles for loss (TFL)[7], while continuing his role on special teams. Key performances included two tackles and a TFL against Texas Southern and four tackles with a TFL in a win against FIU.[2][5][7][8]

By 2023, Smith had taken on a more significant defensive role, appearing in 12 games and starting four. He finished the season with 25 tackles[citation needed], 3.0 TFLs, 0.5 sacks, a forced fumble[citation needed], and an interception.[5][8] His standout performance came in the season opener against the University of California[8], Berkeley, where he recorded nine tackles, 1.5 TFLs, a forced fumble, and a quarterback hurry. He concluded the year with a half-sack in the season finale against UAB. [2][5][7][8][9]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d "Jaylen Smith Height, Weight, Position, Hometown, Bio - NCAA College Football". FOX Sports. Retrieved 2024-09-30.
  2. ^ a b c d "Jaylen Smith - Football". University of North Texas Athletics. Retrieved 2024-09-30.
  3. ^ a b "Jaylen Smith, North Texas Mean Green, LB - News, Stats, Bio". CBSSports.com. 2024-09-30. Retrieved 2024-09-30.
  4. ^ a b https://3downnation.com/2022/01/18/abbotts-2021-ncaa-all-canadians-defence/
  5. ^ a b c d "Jaylen Smith makes timely sack vs. North Texas - ESPN Video". ESPN.com. 2023-11-25. Retrieved 2024-09-30.
  6. ^ a b c footballcanada (2017-11-28). "Get to know U16 East All Star Team Defensive Back Jaylen Smith!". Football Canada. Retrieved 2024-09-30.
  7. ^ a b c d e f "Jaylen Smith - North Texas Mean Green Linebacker". ESPN. Retrieved 2024-09-30.
  8. ^ a b c d e f "TOP 2021 FOOTBALL RECRUIT ATH 6'0,203LBS JAYLEN SMITH ST.THOMAS MORE (CANADA) ALL-AMERICAN BOWL REPORT". SCOUT TROUT ELITE. Retrieved 2024-09-30.
  9. ^ https://www.sportskeeda.com/college-football/jaylen-smith