In one of the best college football championships game of all time, Texas beat USC 41-38 in the 2006 Rose Bowl. And now the Longhorns have gotten the best of the Trojans again, as 4-star WR Jake Smith committed to Texas over USC.
I am 110% Committed to The University of Texas🤘🏼 #HookEm pic.twitter.com/NqYgJdXtdf
— Jake Smith (@jakesmith27) June 4, 2018
Smith is a 6’1″ 189 lb wide receiver out of Notre Dame Prep in Scottsdale, AZ. He had offers from almost every major school in the country. However, the highly sought after speedster had narrowed the field to just two teams: Texas and USC. Jake enjoyed his visit to Southern Cal. Many wondered if that was going to be enough to push the Trojans to the top. Was #FightOn the move?
Huge Thank you to USC and their staff for an amazing official visit! My family and I had a great time✌🏼 pic.twitter.com/TdoH2A8MKS
— Jake Smith (@jakesmith27) May 21, 2018
However, just like when Texas’ Vince Young was making his mad dash to the end zone in the 2006 Championship game, the Longhorns got it done again over the Trojans. The allure of playing for Texas was too much for Jake. In the end, it was a better fit for him & it was an opportunity that he couldn’t pass up. Now, he joins the ever strengthening Longhorn class, as head coach Tom Herman has something special brewing down in Austin. Texas is currently ranked #12 in the country in recruiting, and closing fast. They are poised to have a Top 5 class, when all is said and done.
Jason’s Take
Jake Smith is just the type of wideout that can thrive in any offense. He has star potential with the Longhorns. He has breakaway speed, and has a great ability to adjust to the ball when it’s mid-flight. That will win you favor with any QB, as they know they don’t have to make a perfect throw for Smith to still make a play. He had over 1,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving for Notre Dame Prep. Throw in the fact that he receives kickoffs, too, and coach Herman has a weapon on his hands.
His size, athleticism, and versatility remind me of another former Texas wide receiver: Jordan Shipley. Shipley was an All-American for the Longhorns, and made numerous plays that will live in Texas lore. The 96-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against the #1 ranked Sooners in the Red River Rivalry, anyone?
Jake Smith has a chance to be that exact type of impact player for Texas. Whether it be lined up as wide receiver, taking kickoffs, or a play out of the backfield, he will have a chance to go down as a Longhorn legend. And with his commitment to play in Austin, Texas continues to rise. #HookEm
