Three-Star CB James Smith Ready to Help Continue "DBU" at Washington
For the second consecutive recruiting class Washington has landed a talented defensive back out of California prep powerhouse St. John Bosco High School.
On Sunday, three-star cornerback James Smith announced his commitment to the Huskies marking the 15th pledge for the 2020 class. At 6-foot-1, 175-pounds Smith is an ideal fit for what UW defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake wants in the secondary.
After Smith returned home from his weekend visit to Seattle, his first trip to the Evergreen State, he knew Washington was the perfect fit for him.
“This feels great. Washington, that’s actually an offer I’d wanted forever,” Smith said, after he tweeted out his commitment Sunday afternoon.
“It’s a dream offer, dream school so when I got it it was pretty much a no-brainer. I think the best thing about it is the coaching staff, you know. The family there, the culture there. The city. Everything about it is just great.”
The Huskies now have their first DB commit for the 2020 class having previously secured a pair of three-star linebackers, Carson Bruener and Cooper McDonald. With the addition of Smith and four-star offensive line pledge Geirean Hatchett on Saturday the class ranks No. 23 on Rivals.
Before his visit this weekend Smith already had a good sense of what the school and the football program could do for his future.
“A lot of people were just talking about the development, especially for DB’s. They were telling me how great the coaches are,” Smith said.
Once Smith and his mother arrived and met with the coaching staff everything felt right. UW head coach Chris Petersen made a strong impression when the two had their one-on-one conversation in his office.
“The conversation went great. I liked how much attention and love he was showing to my mom especially,” Smith said. “Because obviously she has a lot of questions and she can trust me with him. He’s just all about the final goal. It’s really great. Beyond football – being a man, being successful.
“Coach Pete, he’s a great guy not just a great coach. He’s really one of those guys that actually cares. I think that’s something a lot of us need.”
Smith is the second DB from St. John Bosco to choose UW in consecutive recruiting classes, joining four-star CB Trent McDuffie in 2019.
The Huskies have signed four Braves total under Petersen – Smith will be No. 5 in December; four-star wide receiver Terrell Bynum (2017), four-star running back Sean McGrew (2016) and three-star CB Naijiel Hale (2014).
Smith picked UW over 13 other scholarship offers including Michigan, Oregon, Penn State and others. The main factor in his decision was being able to help continue a legacy already laid out before him.
“I think when I come, myself and the other corners there we’ll really just continue the DBU name. And when we’re all there we’re really just going to brand that,” Smith said.
“At the end of the day we’re going to be respected as being the No. 1 DBU.”