Penn State Football picked up its quarterback for the Class of 2023 in West Des Moines, Iowa, native Jaxon Smolik.

Listed at 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, Smolik emerged on the Nittany Lions‘ radar in early July, following an extremely impressive performance at the Elite 11 Finals in Los Angles.

Here’s a breakdown of what Jaxon Smolik brings Penn State Football

SCOUTING REPORT

QUICK RELEASE

Smolik has one of the quicker releases I’ve seen in a high school quarterback. He has the ability to deliver the ball lighting quick at any moment, which is obviously a very important trait for any quarterback to have in their arsenal.

This is Smolik’s best trait as a prospect in my opinion. His release is elite.

ACCURACY & TOUCH

Smolik is an accurate, consistent passer with adequate arm strength.

He puts great touch and height under the ball, allowing him to hit his receivers in stride. This is another great quality to have in a young quarterback. I believe he can make all the necessary throws for Penn State Football offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich’s system.

SNEAKY ATHLETICISM

Smolik put up some VERY impressive athletic testing numbers at Penn State Football’s prospect camp in late July.

He clocked a 4.7-second 40-yard dash to go along with an eye-popping 4.3 second shuttle. He could really takeoff once he gets acclimated to Penn State Football’s strength and conditioning program.

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HIGHLIGHTS

 

NFL COMPARISON

Case Keenum, Buffalo Bills

Smolik has an extremely similar body type to Keenum, and their play-style is also extremely similar as well.

Smolik doesn’t do anything at a superstar level, but he does just about everything really solid. I think Smolik is the most well-rounded quarterback recruit James Franklin has ever brought to Penn State. High-floor prospect.

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