Michigan Lands Versatile, Four-Star Defensive Lineman

After seeing enough in Ann Arbor during a late-March visit, Cheshire (Conn.) Cheshire Academy defensive lineman Jerod Smith is now a member of Michigan's 2024 class.

AGTG🙏🏿 Ann Arbor I’m Home 〽️@Hayesfawcett3 @Coach_Mella pic.twitter.com/6eKo50vPfb
— Jerod Smith (@Jerodsmith44) April 25, 2023

The 6-3, 265-pounder is a really nice piece along the defensive line because of his combo size and versatility. If he continues to develop and grow, he could end up being in the Kris Jenkins mold. He's not long and lanky, nor is he overly twitchy like a true speed rusher, but he's big enough and athletic enough to move all over the D-line.

Smith looked like a Notre Dame lean for a long time but defensive line coach Mike Elston did a phenomenal job on Smith. Elston is also working on Smith's twin brother, Jacob. Michigan recently made Jacob's top six, along with Notre Dame, Kentucky, Nebraska, Georgia and Alabama.

The twins both checked out Michigan in late-March and are both extremely high on the Wolverines. With Jerod now in the fold, U-M has a great shot at landing Jacob as well.