Jahmir Smith Continues To Build A Strong Relationship With Autry Denson
Sanford (N.C.) holds a population of just over 29,000 and the talk of the town is 2018 Lee County running back Jahmir Smith. The 5-foot-11, 198-pounder committed to the Irish in July, and Notre Dame running backs coach Autry Denson was in the house to watch Smith on Friday night.
“It was pretty cool,” Smith said after a 50-0 victory. “It was the first time he had come to a game. It was the first time Notre Dame has been to a game at Lee County.”
It was a quick night for Smith, as he only got one drive after halftime. The three-star prospect made the most of his one drive in the second half, as he took a pitch around the left side and sprinted 58 yards to the house for his third score of the game.
“I wanted to go back in again,” laughed Smith. “Coach wouldn’t let me back in.”
Smith is very content with his decision to attend Notre Dame, as he carries a 4.43 GPA and felt he can achieve his goals in South Bend.
“It had football and academics,” stated Smith. “They are a good football team. It’s Power Five football. I believe I’m getting the best of both worlds.”
Lee County assistant coach Foster Cates took Smith to South Bend, and he was sold on what Notre Dame could offer his star player.
“Coach (Brian) Kelly brought a lot of energy when he was talking with him,” stated Cates. “He talked and sold Notre Dame. Coach Kelly wanted to know about Jahmir and what kind of goals he had. He explained Jahmir could achieve those goals at Notre Dame.
“It wasn’t all about Coach Kelly. It was about Notre Dame and the plan in place that can help Jahmir reach his goals.”
While Kelly might have helped close Smith’s recruitment, Denson has always been the leading voice in the recruitment. Denson didn’t speak of his time at Notre Dame much to Smith, but his pitch was about making the North Carolina native a better man and football player.
Denson and Smith continue to communicate and simply build their relationship on a daily basis.
“We just talk every day about anything,” Smith said. “It’s just a man to man conversation.”
As for his game, Smith has been focused on improving his game outside of the tackles, which is usually the strength of high school backs. Smith loves running inside the tackles and is working on becoming an explosive player on the edge.
“My outside running,” Smith said of where his focus is at. “I usually run in between the tackles, but I am starting to get outside.”
Smith will return to South Bend in just under two weeks for the USC game for his official visit.