Three-Star Quarterback Jaxon Smolik Commits To Penn State Football
James Franklin has picked up his second offensive recruit in three days.
Three-star quarterback Jaxon Smolik announced his verbal commitment to Penn State football’s Class of 2023 Friday afternoon. Smolik recently reopened his recruitment after decommitting from Tulane on August 11.
“After further conversations with my family, I have decided to commit to Penn State University!” Smolik wrote on Twitter. “Thank you to God, my family and coaches.”
WE ARE PENN STATE
— Jaxon Smolik (@JaxonSmolik) August 12, 2022After 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
Despite his commitment to Tulane in June, Penn State persisted in pursuing Smolik. On July 29, Smolik attended a Penn State camp and two days later received his offer.
The 6’2″, 200-pound prospect hails from West Des Moines, Iowa, making him the first Iowan to commit to Penn State since Jake Pinegar in the Class of 2018. Smolik is ranked as the class’s sixth-best recruit in the state and the No. 30 quarterback, according to 247Sports.
In June, Smolik attended the Elite 11 quarterback camp, led by Super Bowl MVP Trent Dilfer. The Elite 11 camp annually invites a select number of quarterback prospects so they can perform in front of and be evaluated by top Division I recruiters.
Smolik broke his collarbone in week one of his junior year. After battling back from the injury, Penn State’s newest quarterback completed 65.5% of his passes and tossed nine touchdowns in his five games. For a closer look, check out his Hudl highlight reel.
The news of Smolik’s commitment comes at a crucial time for James Franklin and his staff. In July, Penn State lost four-star quarterback commit Marcus Stokes to Florida, leaving its 2023 class without a signal-caller. Since Stokes’ departure, two more prospects decommitted from the program, including top defensive target Tomarrion Parker on Tuesday.
The commitments of Smolik and three-star wide receiver Carmelo Taylor on Wednesday could very well recover some momentum for the Nittany Lions.
Penn State now holds commitments from 19 players in the Class of 2023. Even with Smolik’s commitment, the Nittany Lions’ class remains ranked No. 10 in the country and second in the Big Ten.
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