Josh Smith

Introduction: A local product from Dutch Fork High School, Smith’s rise from a little Coastal Carolina commit to a coveted Power 4 prospect is a testament to his work ethic, athleticism, and football IQ. At 6 '2”, 230 pounds, Smith possesses the ideal frame for a modern linebacker, big enough to thump in the trenches but agile enough to chase down plays sideline-to-sideline. After spending most of his high school career as an EDGE rusher, he transitioned to off-ball linebacker as a senior and the results were eye-opening. In his final season, Smith racked up 63 tackles, 15 tackles-for-loss, and 7 sacks, helping lead Dutch Fork to a 2023 South Carolina 5A state championship. His ability to diagnose plays, shed blocks, and deliver punishing tackles showcased a natural feel for the position. On3 is much higher on Smith slotting him in as a 4 star and the no. 34 ranked linebacker in the class after only one year at the position. On3 Director of Scouting Charles Power stated after Smiths senior season “seeing him play off-ball and how natural it was for him, combined with the size and the speed and just the overall physical tools, gives him a lot to work with there.”While he may have flown under the radar early in his recruitment, don’t be surprised if Smith becomes a household name in Columbia sooner rather than later.

Recruiting: In April 2023, Josh Smith committed to Coastal Carolina, a program that got on him early. At the time, Smith was viewed as a tweener, a player with the size and athleticism to play EDGE but whose future likely lay at linebacker. However, everything changed during his senior year. After transitioning to off-ball linebacker, Smith quickly proved this was where he belonged. Possessing an elite ability to diagnose plays, chase down ball carriers, and deliver punishing hits turned heads. Programs were taking notice and by mid-September, his stock was on the rise. The offers began to pour in, with Ole Miss and N.C. State quickly entering the mix. Both schools hosted Smith for visits, trying to pry Smith out of the state. But it was Clayton White who got the last laugh. After reviewing Smith’s senior film, White extended an offer on September 19, 2023, just days after Smith had attended the Gamecocks’ thrilling matchup against LSU. For Smith, the decision ultimately came down to three key factors: family, opportunity, and fit. First, family played a huge role. Smith’s father is a South Carolina alumnus, and the chance to play for the team he grew up cheering for was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up. Second, the path to early playing time was clear. With three senior linebackers set to depart after the 2024 season, Smith saw a chance to make an immediate impact. “I want to be in the two-deep early,” Smith said. “There’s a chance I can play right away, and that’s huge for me.” Finally, Smith’s physicality and downhill playing style aligned perfectly with South Carolina’s defensive scheme. Defensive coordinator Clayton White envisions him as a MIKE or WILL linebacker, similar to current Gamecocks standouts Demetrius Knight and Debo Williams. On November 5, 2024, Smith made it official, committing to South Carolina.

Strength and Skills: Josh Smith is a high-upside prospect with all the tools to develop into a star at South Carolina. His combination of size, speed, and versatility makes him a perfect fit for the Gamecocks' defense, and it’s no wonder why Clayton White was drooling over his film. With a 4.7-second 40-yard dash at his size, Smith has the rare ability to close gaps quickly and make plays in space. But his athleticism doesn’t stop there. His background in track & field, where he set a shot put record of 42-1, highlights his explosive power and lower-body strength. As a downhill linebacker, Smith is a thumper who thrives in the box. His ability to read pulling guards, fill gaps, and deliver punishing tackles makes him a nightmare for opposing running games. But what sets him apart is his versatility. With experience as an EDGE rusher, Smith knows how to use his hands to shed blocks and has the burst to pressure quarterbacks when needed. This added dimension makes him a Swiss Army knife on defense, capable of impacting the game in multiple ways. One of Smith’s most underrated traits is his football intelligence. As a senior at Dutch Fork, he was the defensive signal-caller, responsible for aligning his teammates and making pre-snap adjustments. One high school coach put it perfectly: “He knows where he’s supposed to be and where his teammates are supposed to be on every play.” While Smith has shown flashes of potential in coverage, refining his technique and footwork will be the key to unlocking his full potential as a true three-down linebacker. If he continues to develop in that area, there’s no doubt he has the tools to excel in all phases of the game.