On Friday, Jaxon Smolik, a Class of 2023 three-star quarterback out of Dowling Catholic High School in Des Moines, Iowa, announced that he is committing to Penn State.
WE ARE PENN STATE 🦁 After further conversations with my family I have decided to commit to Penn State University! Thank you to God, my family and coaches @coachjfranklin @Coach_Yurcich #WeAre #107kStrong #PSUnrivaled pic.twitter.com/PE6qO1Nj6c
— Jaxon Smolik (@JaxonSmolik) August 12, 2022
Smolik was committed to Tulane, but he decommitted on Thursday morning, after he received an offer from Penn State. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Smolik is the number nine recruit in Iowa and the No. 38 quarterback in the country, according to 247Sports Composite rankings.
Smolik took part in the Elite 11 Finals quarterbacks camp at the last minute only after five-star prospect Nicholas Iamaleava backed out of the camp at the last minute. He showed coaches and scouts that he belonged at the camp showing poise in the pocket, accuracy, and arm talent. Smolik had no Power Five offers until he received an offer from Cal.
Shortly after the camp, quarterback Marcus Stokes flipped from Penn State to Florida. A few days later, Penn State offensive coordinator Mike Yurich reached out to Smolik to attend Penn State’s final Elite Showcase Camp and Lasch Bash barbecue at the end of July. Smolik attended the camp and displayed his skills to Yurich, head coach James Franklin and the rest of his staff.
Smolik is a late riser in the recruiting process because he did suffer a broken collar bone playing in their first game of last season, costing him to miss almost two months. He ended the season with a 65 percent completion percentage with nine touchdowns and two interceptions.
With Smolik’s commitment, he is the lone quarterback commit so far in Penn State’s 2023 recruiting cycle.
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