2020 Texas WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba Fired Up For Notre Dame Offer
Notre Dame was an offer 2020 Rockwall (Texas) receiver Jaxon Smith wanted, and it came on Monday evening as Irish receivers coach Del Alexander offered the Texas speedster.
“Coach Alexander had hit me up earlier and told me they were going to offer me this week, Smith-Njigba told Irish Sports Daily. “After practice, he told me to call him, and when I did, he told me I had an offer. He explained how I could help and fit into the program.”
The 5-foot-10, 160-pounder was in South Bend for Notre Dame’s Elite Skills Camp in June, and while Smith-Njigba left an impression on the staff, Notre Dame also made a significant impression.
“I was very excited,” Smith-Njigba said of the offer. “I came up over the summer, and Notre Dame has always been one of my top programs. I love the tradition, so I’ve always wanted this offer. I was happy, relieved and excited to earn the offer.”
Smith-Njigba had an impressive offer list two weeks ago, but big-time programs are starting to offer the Rockwall star. In addition to Notre Dame, Ohio State and Ole Miss have offered in the last two weeks, and Smith-Njigba has taken it in stride.
“I’m blessed,” stated Smith-Njigba. “I’ve always known I had the skill set to obtain big-time offers. I’m really not surprised because I’ve worked hard for them. I’m excited to be in this situation.”
To this point in the season, Smith-Njigba has recorded 39 catches for 730 yards and seven touchdowns, but he’s also found time to visit a couple of schools.
“I’ve been to Oklahoma, and I’m actually going to the Oklahoma/Texas game this weekend,” explained Smith-Njigba. “I was invited to Ohio State/TCU, and I’m probably going to visit TCU. I’m really liking TCU right now. I’m getting invited to a lot of games, so whenever I’m free, I’ll just pick one and go.”
Oklahoma and TCU have Smith-Njigba's attention as they do well with players his size and skill set, including a TCU receiver who he’s modeled his game after.
“I’m definitely looking to see how schools use receivers and if I can see myself playing for them,” Smith-Njigba said. “I can definitely see myself for those programs because I’m very similar to the type of receiver they like.
“I have studied Jalen Reagor a lot. I feel I could be a lot like him.”
As for now, Smith-Njigba will continue working on strengthening relationships with coaches, including Alexander as he continues his recruiting process, which is changing almost on a daily basis.
“I’m talking to a lot of schools right now,” said Smith-Njigba. “I’m trying to build relationships and find out more about each program. I’m not sure what the future holds.”
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