Tyanthony Smith flips to Texas from Texas A&M

Last year as the Texas A&M Aggies were suffering through a 5-7 season, Steve Sarkisian and the Texas Longhorns successfully pushed five-star linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. to leave his Aggie commitment behind and pledge to the Longhorns’ class of 2023.

[Join Inside Texas today using our Signing Day sale and choose from two great offers!]

Almost a year later, Sarkisian and company have pilfered A&M’s recruiting class of a top Texas linebacker prospect once again.

2024 Jasper (Texas) linebacker Tyanthony Smith has flipped his pledge from Texas A&M to Texas, joining the Longhorns’ top-five recruiting class. He is the only off-ball linebacker in the Longhorns’ current class.

[Subscribe to the brand new Inside Texas YouTube channel!]

Smith is ranked as the No. 350 overall prospect, the No. 31 linebacker, and the No. 55 player in Texas according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a proprietary algorithm that compiles ratings and rankings from all four primary recruiting media services. On3 ranks Smith as the No. 26 linebacker in the nation and the No. 54 prospect in Texas.

How he fits at Texas:

Tyanthony Smith is clearly an inside linebacker prospect, that’s the easiest part of the evaluation. He’s currently 6-foot-1, 205 or so, similar to fellow East Texas linebacker prospects Nick Martin (Oklahoma State, 133 tackles in 2023) who was 6-foot-0, 195 coming out of Pleasant Grove or Kip Lewis (Oklahoma, 59 tackles in 2023) who was 6-foot-1, 200 coming out of Carthage.

Smith is blazing fast, reacts quickly to what’s in front of him, and runs through contact much like those other two promising young East Texas linebackers. The difference between Mike and Will linebacker is not massive in Texas’ defense. The Mike has to cover in space more but they both have to read flow inside and blitz inside or on the edge. Smith is really fluid going backwards in coverage and appears to have a leadership role in the Jasper defense so he’ll probably end up a Mike before he’s done. In the meantime he’d need to fill out his frame and learn how to apply his fast reactions within the Texas scheme.

Coach Says:

Strengths: Good height for the position with longish arms. Athleticism jumps off the tape. Acceleration is top level as is change of direction with fluid hips. Top straight line speed is above average. Lower body explosiveness is evident as he transitions from pursuit to contact. His functional range is exceptional with practically sideline-to-sideline ability. High motor. Diagnoses the play early and will slip blocks with surprising ease. He reacts quickly, and when he’s right, it can be devastating to the offense. Scrapes effectively and generally keeps shoulders square. More than a few highlights of him getting quickly into a breakdown demonstrating good tackling form. Engages blockers with surprising strength and can anchor effectively for his size against bigger players. Shows good hand strength and will stack and shed well. As a pass rusher, will get through surprisingly small gaps with elite acceleration. Hands are generally active. Athleticism shines on third downs when he moves to the edge or plays zone coverage. Tackling is generally good but will surprise you with some significant power on contact as he converts lower body explosiveness into upper body force. Pass defense is generally good in zone, covering the middle or hook zones. Has the range and agility to change direction in short areas and he frequently looks for work/crossers. Has been a productive varsity player for several years. Could contribute early on special teams. Could easily see him develop into a 6’2″, 230 lb monster.

Areas for Improvement: Needs to be in S&C from day one. Needs refinement in pass rush technique as athleticism alone isn’t going to win in college. Eye discipline should be a focus. Has some false steps after his read step (and overcomes them with athletic ability).

Stay up to date with all things Texas football on the Inside Texas Members Only message board!