Note on 2019 4-star LB Brandon Smith

If you've checked out the 2019 Target List in the last couple of hours, then you've probably noticed that 4-star Brandon Smith has been removed from the Defensive Ends. This has nothing to do with his interest in Notre Dame and everything to do with the fact that he is being recruited by the staff as a linebacker.

Originally he was projected to end and I personally felt that he could develop into a great player at Drop. He has incredible twitch that would translate well off the edge. 

However, he plays off the ball at linebacker for Louisa County High (VA) and that's where Clark Lea and the defensive staff see him at the next level. It's not hard to see why on film. 

Smith has elite speed and acceleration. He can be a sideline to sideline player. While he needs to fill out his frame, he does a solid job of working through the trash inside to find the football. There aren't many prospects in the nation that are as dynamic as he is as a blitzer too. He is violent when he asked to do so and can straight up obliterate isolation blocks. Fullbacks must hate playing against him. 

There is room to improve with his recognition skills in the run game, but that is something Clark Lea excels at teaching. When you consider that, it's exciting to think of how he'd fit in this Notre Dame defense. I see him as a future Buck and with some potential as an edge rusher in nickel situations. I have him ranked as the 25th best player in the ISD Fab 50.