J’aden Smith
BIO
J’aden “Chosen 1” Smith
Jaden "J4" Smith was a consensus four-star prospect and one of North Carolina’s top high school athletes. Ranked No. 3 in the state and No. 92 nationally, he earned four-time All-Conference honors and was named the 2023 Queen City 3A/4A Defensive Player of the Year. Under Coach Sam Greiner at West Charlotte High School, he helped his team finish 9-4 and advance to the third round of the playoffs.
Initially committed to Michigan to play for Coach Jim Harbaugh and Jesse Minter, Jaden reopened his recruitment after both coaches moved on to the NFL. He ultimately chose Kentucky due to strong relationships with Coach Mark Stoops, Mike Stoops, and Chris Collins, and now plays nickelback for the Wildcats. Beyond the gridiron, he's skilled in boxing and video games. Off the field, Jaden dreams of becoming a clothing designer someday.
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PHYSICAL TRAITS
Measurements
WT
206
HT
6’3’’
RANK (POS)
3
RANK (NATL)
92
RATING
Composite 4-star
PERFORMANCE
Kentucky University
2024
REDSHIRT SEASON
Saw his first collegiate action on special teams vs. Ohio and also played against Auburn, Murray State and Louisville. Expected to see more action in the 2025-26 season.
High School Statistics
2023
TACKLES
91
SOLO
62
TFL
25
SACKS
10
PBUS
13
HONORS
CAREER
14
QB HURIES
INT
1
2
FG BLOCKS
3
P BLOCKS
- Considered a consensus four-star prospect by all the major recruiting sites
- Ranked as the No. 3 prospect in North Carolina and No. 92 nationally
- 247Sports Composite ranks him as the No. 11 ATH in the high school class of 2024
- Four-time All-Conference selection
- Named the 2023 Queen City 3A/4A Defensive Player of the Year at linebacker by The Charlotte Observer
- Earned the team’s Most Valuable Player award and the First Team All-State by HighSchoolOT as a senior
- Helped his team finish 9-4 overall and advance to the third round of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association’s 3A West playoffs in 2023
MERCHANDISE
