Jake Smith

Anyone know where he was yesterday? I know that he has made some mistakes as a freshman, but I take this kid’s upside over a ton of receivers in D-1.
I like him a lot!

Also, what were the false rumors printed that Tom was talking about in his post game pressor?

 

The false rumors may have been about Jake entering the portal, other transfers, recruiting, etc. There's always plenty of them after a loss, like a snowball.

Jake seems to have hit a freshman wall mid-season with some drops and fumbles, but again he's only a freshman. He'll overcome.

 

Jake will be a 80 catch guy next year. He needs to stay patient as he's got 3 years as one of the primary receivers. We've shown we're going to throw it to the slot guy over and over. Also think he ends up being our punt returner. He'll learn.

 

It's not just the drops and fumbles, he's also running wrong or incomplete routes, one of which contributed to a pick vs. TCU. We all love the kid, but he's not yet ready to make a positive contribution.

 

I found it odd that he didn’t see the field yesterday or if he did, I missed it.

If indeed he is unhappy — yes, one of those locker room rumors — that would be very troubling. I guess I can understand homesickness. If that’s it, he needs to grow up. If it’s dissatisfaction, I see a problem because this kid has been given every opportunity to play and succeed.

 

Jake played at least one time. It was the play where Collin Johnson was interfered in the end zone. I was watching him. I think he was open, but there was a safety who likely could have gotten to him.

 

When Colin and Duvernay are in the game, and it's going to be hard for anyone else to get time except at Y receiver.

I think Kennedy Lewis might be redshirted for the year because he wasn't really in full pads on the sidelines.

 

We can't have these young guys (and Burt) getting too many targets of they don't run good routes and don't have consistent hands.

I have no problem with them feeling frustrated,but not giving in to them. You earn targets with good routes and you quit dropping catchable balls.

 

I too looked for him several times at slot but missed it if he was in there. Definitely noticed he was not catching punts.

Also noticed Whittington did not play and Roschon only got about 5-7 touches. Guess Ingrahams good play is keeping others out...

 

Roschon played quite a bit, maybe more throws during his possessions.

 

Wonder if they are going to redshirt Whittington?
Hasn't he only played in one game?

 

I'm not sure Jake Smith is as awesome as advertised but could be proven wrong in the future....

 

Jake Smith, a true freshman, is playing behind some outstanding receivers. He is as good as advertised, which is a high 4 star recruit. He will improve significantly as all talented players do, between freshman and senior years.
Ricky Williams was not a Heisman winner his freshman year, nor was Earl Campbell. They were good and got much better. Smith has had good moments too. Scored Td's in multiple games.

Please try to be patient, and remember context, and history about what comes with maturity and experience.

 

I think he is every bit as good as advertised. There are some intangibles that he appears to have along with a very high level of athletic ability.
I am a big fan. D-1 football at this level is a really big stage and a major step up from his high school. Support him. You will be glad that you did.

 

It'll probably be the Jordan Shipley thing. I never thought he was that great until he returned a kickoff for a touchdown in the OU game in 2008. 2004-2007 were injuries and 'meh' stats/results. Then 5th year heroics (he was 22) and then 2009 with Quan (106 years old), showed their experience against younger competition. Jackson Shipley wasn't as big physically and had good results when Texas went south under Mack. Jordan & Quan sure made Colt look good in 08/09. Sure handed 30 year olds getting open....joking but my perception of history.

 

How is the HS National Player of the Year not 5 stars?

 

My guess:
HS National Player of the year is based on your performance at the HS level
5 stars is based on your potential at the college level

For similar reasons, not every college all-American is a first-round pick, not every Heisman winner is picked first overall, and so on.

 

I like Jake Smith a lot.

 

did Herman get asked about him at the PC?

 

his rank was the highest 4 star, just a tenth of a point below the five star.

Also, different ranking services make different assessments.

 

Me too, and I think he leads the team in receptions by a large margin next year if he'll just be patient. It's all teed up for him. Just have to wait for the cake to bake dude. Stay we need you and you'll excel in this offense.