Jake Smith named Gatorade National Football Player of the Year: Texas commit excels on and off the field

Texas commit Jake Smith is the winner of the 2018 Gatorade National Football Player of the Year for his work on the field, classroom and community.

Jake Smith (Notre Dame Preparatory, Scottsdale, AZ) is the winner of the 2018 Gatorade National Football Player of the Year after the 6-foot-1, 195-pound senior running back and wide receiver led the Saints to a 13-1 record to the Conference 5A state championship game. The award was presented to the Texas commit by Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen at his high school on Tuesday afternoon.

“I was shocked,” Smith said. “It was an unreal feeling. It was a blur seeing Josh Rosen walk in. All the cameras. I started sweating, I started shaking. It was just unbelievable.”

Smith caught 64 passes for 1,112 yards and 22 touchdowns, rushed for 741 yards and 15 touchdowns, and had two kickoff returns for scores as a senior, but he’s quick to thank those who have helped him get to this point in his career.

We’re going to be national championship contenders pretty soon

“My parents have always been by my side and supporting me and done everything for me,” Smith said. “Coach [George] Prelock prep has been so supportive through this process. My teammates have all been unbelievable, especially quarterback Jake Farrell. He’s the hardest worker I’ve ever met. He was unbelievable this year with his improvement.”

Smith finished his high school career with 5,446 total yards and 72 touchdowns and will play in the Under Armour All-American Bowl in January before enrolling at Texas in the summer.

The nation’s No. 81 overall recruit, No. 12 receiver and the No. 2 recruit in the state of Arizona, according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings.

He had offers from the likes of Alabama, Ohio State, Notre Dame and Clemson, among others, but it was his second visit to Texas in the spring that saw him fall in love with everything about the program and university after a stressful beginning to the recruiting process.

“The recruiting process was tough. I was kinda overwhelmed by it. I did all the visits and the second time I went to Texas was for the spring game and right then and there I fell in love with it. I fell in love with the culture. Football in Texas is a religion. The whole tradition, everything to do with Texas. And the BBQ. I love the BBQ. It all came together to make me choose Texas.”

His relationship with Texas head coach Tom Herman helped seal the deal.

“I love Coach Herman, and what he’s doing with the program is unbelievable,” Smith said. “We’re going to be national championship contenders pretty soon. He’s an unbelievable guy with high morals and a great character. I can’t wait to play for him.”

Smith said he patterns his game after former Arizona prep star and current Cardinals receiver, Christian Kirk and Heisman finalist and Panthers star Christian McCaffrey. He wants to be an all-around receiver who can also play running back at Texas.

The great work on the football field is only one reason Smith was honored as the Gatorade National Football Player of the Year. His work in the classroom and community set him apart from the other finalists. Smith carries a 3.33 weighted GPA and is active in the community. He has volunteered at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic Church, St. Mary’s Food Bank Community Kitchen, Feed My Starving Children and the Miracle League of Arizona, which is especially close to his heart.

“Once you get out there and help people who are less fortunate, you learn that it feels awesome to do that. I love giving back to my community and the people who are less fortunate than me. Specifically, at Miracle League where they help underprivileged and disabled kids play Wiffle ball and it’s a really cool organization.”

Smith will sign with Texas on Dec. 19 and enroll this summer as he begins to chase the national championship he thinks Herman and Texas are closing in on.

He’ll also have a plate or two of BBQ to make sure he’s fully indoctrinated into the religion of Texas football.