Michigan appears to be losing one of its top recruits in the 2024 class.
Four-star linebacker Jaden Smith, out of West Charlotte High in North Carolina, has requested to be released from his national letter of intent, he announced Sunday on social media.
“After much prayer and deliberation, I’ve made the decision to formally request my release from my NLI,” Smith, the No. 284 overall prospect nationally, per the 247Sports Composite rankings, wrote. “This was the toughest decision I’ve ever had to make in my life. Forever grateful for Coach (Sherrone) Moore and The University of Michigan.”
But less than two months later, the national champion Wolverines have lost head coach Jim Harbaugh and their entire defensive coaching staff. Defensive coordinator Jesee Minter, defensive line coach Mike Elston and defensive backs coach Steve Clinkscale are all following Harbaugh to Los Angeles, along with strength and conditioning coach Ben Herbert and analysts Dylan Roney and Doug Mallory
New Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore hired longtime NFL coach Wink Martindale as defensive coordinator last week.
Smith originally committed to the Wolverines last June and has rocketed up the national recruiting rankings. He had 22 reported offers, including USC, North Carolina, NC State, Utah, Miami and Kentucky. The 6-foot-3, 201-pounder is the first Michigan signee to request out of his NLI.
When Smith inked his NLI during the early signing period in December, Michigan was preparing for its Rose Bowl national semifinal against Alabama.
