The Oklahoma Sooners are hoping to build off the successful 2023 recruiting cycle with another top-five class in 2024. As they get ready for the jump to the SEC, there’s an emphasis on adding talent to the defensive front.
One of the blue-chip prospects they’ve been pursuing is four-star Melissa, Texas, defensive lineman Nigel Smith. Smith is a top-100 player in the 2024 recruiting cycle according to the 247Sports composite and Rivals.
On Monday, Smith released his top eight: Oklahoma Sooners, Texas Longhorns, Ohio State Buckeyes, Georgia Bulldogs, Texas A&M Aggies, Arkansas Razorbacks, Penn State Nittany Lions and Rutgers Scarlet Knights.
Smith is a versatile defensive line prospect that can help the Oklahoma Sooners as both a defensive end and an interior defensive lineman. He’s already has great size and a natural ability to rush the passer.
Smith is quick off the ball, getting into the backfield fast in one-gap schemes. He has a relentless motor that’s willing to chase the ball carrier from the backside.
With his ability to play in three- and four-man defensive fronts, Nigel Smith is a perfect fit for Brent Venables and Ted Roof’s defense at the University of Oklahoma.
Nigel Smith’s Recruiting Profile
Projections
- Parker Thune and Brandon Drumm resubmitted FutureCasts after moving OUInsider to the Rivals network. Geoffrey Ketchum of OrangeBloods, covering the Texas Longhorns, issued a prediction favoring the Sooners back in February.
- On3’s recruiting prediction machine has the Oklahoma Sooners favored to land Smith. Josh McCuistion of SoonerScoop and Sam Spiegelman have submitted On3 predictions favoring the Sooners.
Film
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