2019 4 star DE/LB Brandon Smith is one of the most gifted defensive players in his class. He plays for Louisa County high school in Mineral, Virginia. Smith plays with an edge and hits with power. He currently ranked no.2 in the state of Virginia, no.6 among defensive ends, and the no.79th player in 2019. Smith is definitely a 5 star talent and I think he will reach 5 star status by this time next year. He has the tools to play defensive end or linebacker and be an instant impact player.
LJ: Great win for PSU, how was your visit to Happy Valley?
Brandon: Great win. Great visit. I really like Happy Valley.
LJ: How does this win make you feel about PSU?
Brandon: First time seeing a game. Impressive win. I like the style of play.
LJ: What impressed you the most about the win against Pitt?
Brandon: The environment. I love the student section. Coaches and how they interact with the players.
LJ: You are a big 2019 target. What do you like about PSU?
Brandon: The campus, coaching staff and environment I really like. Can’t forget the Creamery…?
LJ: What were your numbers last season?
Brandon: 75 tackles 17 for loss 10 sacks 3 force fumbles
LJ: What are your top schools right now? Is Penn state still a high team on your list of programs?
Brandon: No top teams right now but PSU will definitely be one of the top schools.
LJ: Your skill set is big time, you are the type of beast Sean Spencer likes. What has PSU told you about your future with this team? Who has recruited you and stayed in contact with you?
Brandon: I have been talking with Coach Pry. He sees me as a LB that could be an impact player for them. Worked with him during camp this summer which was good experience for me.
LJ: What do you feel about the statement James Franklin made saying ” Beating Pitt was like beating Akron?”
Brandon: I like the fact that Coach Franklin approach every game the same way. The goal is to go 1-0 each week.
LJ: What other teams have been pursuing you the hardest? What teams that haven’t given you offers have pursued you the hardest?
Brandon: There are quite a few teams recruiting me hard. Oregon, LSU and Oklahoma have been in contact with me.
LJ: What were your stats last game? What was your best game last year? what were the stats in that game?
Brandon: 7 tackles, blocked FG, blocked Punt. Played only 3 quarters.
LJ: You have power and quickness that allows you to command the field. What is your 40 time? What is the strength of your game that allows you to make the impact you do?
Brandon: Ran a 4.72 electronic time at Nike Camp. Watch a lot of film that allows me to play faster. I love to hit.
LJ: You have 4 programs that you have offers from, i would like to know what you think about these programs:
Alabama: Great Program, and tradition. Really like the coaches and how they coach. Big time program. Really like the strength Coach.
Ohio state: Great Program, and tradition. I have very good realtionship with Coach Meyers and his staff. Football facilities are really nice.
Notre Dame: Great program and tradition. Beautiful campus. Great academic school. I really like Coach Kelly and Coach Lea.
Florida State: Great program and tradition. Nice campus and football facilities. I had a great visit meeting and talking with Coach Fisher and his staff. Coach Tino Sunseri and I have a very good relationship.
LJ: Do you have any upcoming visits scheduled?
Brandon: No set schedule yet. Working on that with my parents.
LJ: What is your ideal school fit? What type of defense do you like to play in?
Brandon: A School that will be a fit for me academically and football program that will allow me maximize my talents and skill set. No particular defense as long as I am on the field giving my team an opportunity to win football games.
LJ: What NFL player resembles your skill set?
Brandon: I would say play with the passion of Ray Lewis and hit like Troy Polamalu.
LJ: How was it growing up? where did you grow up? How where your parents an influence in you?
Brandon: I have been Blessed with great parents, a younger brother and a support system that has been there for me all my life. Born and raised in Louisa, VA
LJ: What type of impact do you bring to a team? What type of character do your bring to a program?
Brandon: Hard worker that plays fast and love to hit. Humble quite person off the field but transforms into a warrior when I hit the field.
LJ: When do you plan on committing? is it soon?
Brandon: No time set on committing. Possible before my senior season.
LJ: Great catching up with you Brandon
Brandon: Thank you sir!
