clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Welcome to the U, Brashard Smith

Miami adds a dynamic slot WR and keeps the momentum going towards securing a majority of the Palmetto 5.

Miami’s newest commit: Palmetto slot Brashard Smith
247sports

On Sunday afternoon, the Miami Hurricanes added yet another blue chip talent to the 2021 recruiting class when Miami (FL) Palmetto 3-star WR Brashard Smith committed to The U.

A dynamic slot receiver, Smith picked Miami over a robust offer list including the Florida Gators and Alabama Crimson Tide.

Diminuitive in height at 5’8.5” but muscularly built at 190lbs, Smith is as dynamic a player as you’ll find anywhere in the country. Smith’s game is predicated on the one thing you can never have too much of on your roster: SPEED. He’s clocked a 4.34 in the 40yd dash at a recruiting camp, and consistently clocked sub 4.5 at every event he’s been timed at. Smith has the kind of speed to outrun angles and take short passes the length of the field from any distance.

Smith can be a multi-faceted weapon for the new look Canes’ offense moving forward. Handoffs. Pitches. Jet sweeps. Crossing routes. Option routes. Pretty much anything in the route tree (but jump balls likely not his forte at his height). Punt returns. Kick returns. He’s the kind of offensive weapon that could show up anywhere in the formation and turn any play into a highlight.

247sports’ Andrew Ivins has compared Smith to Kansas City Chiefs superstar Tyreek Hill, and supported that comp with this narrative:

One of the faster players in the Sunshine State this cycle owing a sub 4.5 40-yard dash time. Doesn’t have the ideal height or length, but does have a favorable build with some muscle already developed. A menace in the slot that’s capable of scoring anytime he touches the ball as extra gear allows him to pull away from defenses. Eats cushion with smooth route running and is able to keep cornerbacks and safeties guessing. Creative instincts make it difficult to bring him down one-on-one in space. Has shown the ability to break tackles and take hits, but has to get stronger if he’s going to produce on a consistent basis at the next level. Could also improve release as he often times likes to roll off the line of scrimmage. Must remain dedicated to being the fastest player on the field, but looks like someone that can be a weapon as an inside receiver for a Power 5 program. Versatile enough to double as a return man and even get snaps at running back.

Yeah, that’ll work!

Smith was 1st team All-Dade in 2020 after having 36 catches for 628 yards and 10 TDs for district champion Palmetto. He was a major weapon for a dangerous offense, and showed his elite speed game after game.

Ranked as the #353 player in the country, #57 WR, and #54 in the State of Florida, Smith is the 20th player to commit to Miami’s 2021 recruiting class, and 3rd receiver, joining Miami (FL) Northwestern 4-star Romello Brinson and Plantation (FL) 4-star Jacolby George. He is the 2nd of the Palmetto 5 to commit to Miami, joining 4-star DT Saivion Collins, whose commitment has been said to be soft at this point in time. Miami is still pushing to keep Collins in the class, and is actively pursuing 5-stars DT Leonard Taylor and CB Jason Marshall Jr from that group, as well. S Corey Collier Jr. is the 5th of the Palmetto 5, for those wondering.

With Smith’s commitment, Miami continues their recent run of blue chip commits, with Smith following 5-star S James Williams, 4-star DE Jabari Ishmael, 4-star S Kamren Kinchens, and 4-star WR Romello Brinson, among others. Miami’s 2021 class has returned to the top 10 nationally. With precious few slots left, Miami will continue to push to keep the group together, and add elite talent to round out the class.

For a better look at the player Miami is adding in the speedster Smith, check out his HUDL highlights below:

Welcome to the U, Breshard!