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Rivals · 2023 Class · DL · James Smith
Ohio State
Ohio StateOhio State BuckeyesEnrolled · 1/12/2026
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James Smith

JamesSmith

Montgomery, ALCarver
Jersey
#3
Pos
DL
HT / WT
6-3 / 295
Class
JR
NIL Valuation
—
On3 College Rating
88.00
Ohio State
College Rankings
Natl—DL#71
Transfer Rating
91.55
Portal Rankings
Natl#121DL#13
Experience
2026 – present
Year
Senior
Age
21
Recruiting: Rivals Industry
97.38
NATLNATIONAL
#24
POSPOSITION
#3
STSTATE
#2
On3
98
NATL
#10
POS
#1
ST
#1
Rivals
6.0
NATL
#56
POS
#4
ST
#8
ESPN
89
NATL
#25
POS
#3
ST
#3
247
97
NATL
#41
POS
#5
ST
#3
The Journey
Class of 2023
Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State Buckeyes
Buckeyes
ENROLLED
Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama Crimson Tide
2023 – 2025
TRANSFER
Carver Wolverines
Carver Wolverines
2020 – 2022
HIGH SCHOOL
IMG Academy Ascenders
IMG Academy Ascenders
2021 – 2021
HIGH SCHOOL

Film

HIGHLIGHTS · ANALYSIS · COMMIT FILM
FEATURED FILM
JAMES SMITH
HIGHLIGHTS · HUDL
Senior Year
Posted 11/21/22
HIGHLIGHTS
Sophomore Year
Highlights · 03/28/22
View All Videos

Reminds Us Of

Marcell Dareus
Marcell Dareus
DL / 6-3 / 331
AlabamaAlabama · HS Class of 2008
Buffalo2011 Draft · Rnd 1 · Pick 3

James Smith's quick first step, length and strong punch remind us of fellow Alabama native, Marcell Dareus. Like Dareus, Smith is a highly disruptive defensive lineman at the prep level. Smith is a bit heavier than Dareus at the same stage, but Dareus added considerable mass in college and the NFL.

Latest News

Rivals Network · Premium Coverage
All News
Big Ten FOX
FOX Sports identifies top transfer portal addition for every Big Ten team entering 2026
Steve Samra7/1/26
Nebraska - 3 images - hookly (4)
Ranking the Big Ten: Interior Defensive Line
HuskerOnline Staff6/11/26
ESPN, Newcomers, Tucker, Football
ESPN ranks college football's top 100 newcomers for 2026 season
Steve Samra6/2/26

Scouting Report

Approved · Jan 19, 2023

James Smith

Scouted byCharles Power
DL2023 · Football

Possesses arguably the best combination of first-step quickness and power among interior defensive line prospects in the 2023 cycle. Extremely quick off the ball, often beating opposing offensive linemen out of their stance. Follows up his first step with considerable upper body and hand strength. Stuns offensive linemen with his punch and gets off of blocks at a high rate. Has a wide-hipped frame without much bad weight. Trimmed down to around 295 pounds prior to his senior year. Plays with high energy and violent physicality. A dominant player as a freshman and sophomore prior to transferring to IMG Academy…

Latest News

Rivals Network · Premium Coverage
All News
Big Ten FOX
FOX Sports identifies top transfer portal addition for every Big Ten team entering 2026
Steve Samra7/1/26
Nebraska - 3 images - hookly (4)
Ranking the Big Ten: Interior Defensive Line
HuskerOnline Staff6/11/26
ESPN, Newcomers, Tucker, Football
ESPN ranks college football's top 100 newcomers for 2026 season
Steve Samra6/2/26

Photos

Gallery · 12 Images
View All
player headshot
player headshot
James SmithJames SmithJames Smith

Personal Life

James Smith is back in Alabama after transferring from G.W. Carver High School in Montgomery, Ala., to IMG Academy. At the time, Smith said "business- and experience-wise," the move made sense for him. However, he returned back to Alabama and is now one of the top overall prospects in the state. Smith plans on majoring in engineering in college. He lists basketball as his hobby. His father, Charles, is a firefighter. His mother, Malecia Smith, works as a beautician. Smith’s sibling is Jaylen.

Contacts

Contact information shared with Coaches and NIL Brands only.