Insider
Craig Haubert, ESPN Staff Writer 6y

Scout's Take: S C.J. Smith to Nebraska

New Nebraska head coach Scott Frost landed his first ESPN 300 verbal -- safety C.J. Smith. Below, see why this Sunshine State prospect is a great start for Frost in Lincoln:

What he brings: Smith is a long, explosive prospect who can be a ball-hawking safety. He needs to continue to develop his frame, add more mass and improve functional strength, but he possesses good height and length with physical upside. A fluid athlete with speed who reacts quickly, he can get to the football and make plays. He has also been utilized on offense as a wide receiver, has good ball skills, does a nice job of high-pointing the ball and can generate turnovers when the opportunity is there. He is also a willing and aggressive player in run support and should continue to improve in this area as he continues to physically develop.

How he fits: This a good start on the recruiting trail for Frost. A prospect he already developed a relationship with from his time at UCF, Smith is an athletic player with upside who can help address a need. The Huskers' defense had mostly seniors and juniors contributing at the safety position and the unit as a whole will need to be improved under Frost and the new staff. Smith might need some developmental time which could limit his contributions and production early on, but he is a prospect with upside who can bring playmaking ability to their secondary.

Reminds us of: This is likely a comfortable fit for Frost as Smith reminds us some of Frost's safety at UCF, Kyle Gibson. The new Nebraska commit possesses more height and length, but like Gibson he can be a ball hawk capable of making plays and being active in run support.

How the class is shaping up: Frost has his work cut out for him after inheriting over a class that has dealt with multiple decommitments and is low in overall numbers. This was never expected to be a big class for the Cornhuskers, but they are in single digits in verbals. Smith gives them a third ESPN 300 prospect in this class along with No. 4 TE-H Cameron Jurgens and WR Cameron Brown. Smith is the lone commit out of Florida, but that will likely change before this class is complete.

^ Back to Top ^