Herman Smith III is 'ready to bump it up a notch' with familiar faces at Colorado football
Herman Smith III was one of the first high school prospects to commit to Jackson State after Deion Sanders took over as the Tigers' head coach in 2020.
In fact, the versatile defensive back committed to Jackson State on the same day (Nov. 6, 2020) Shedeur Sanders did.
After transferring from Idaho State, where he spent the 2023 season, Smith III committed to Colorado on Jan. 18 and will be reunited with coach Sanders and a handful of his former Jackson State teammates: Shedeur, Shilo Sanders, Travis Hunter and Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig.
"My decision on Colorado was based on the fact that I feel like I belong somewhere I'm being valued and also where I can get out as much as I put in," Smith III said. "Coach (Kevin) Mathis (defensive backs coach) and 'Coach Prime,' I just love what they bring to the table and it's just pure love and trust.
"I love learning and growing with them."
The 6-foot, 200-pound defensive back appeared in eight games for Idaho State in 2023, totaling 21 tackles and two pass breakups. After spending much of the 2021 season at Jackson State as a backup (seven tackles, two pass breakups), Smith III racked up 26 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble, an interception and two pass breakups during the 2022 campaign.
Not only was he a key contributor on special teams (saw action on four of Idaho State's special teams units and five of Jackson State's), but Smith III played all over the secondary across the last three seasons.
He feels his experience at nickel back, free safety and strong safety gives him a kind of positional versatility that's rare.
"That shows I'm a good athlete, I have the ability and I have what it takes; I'm a dog," Smith III said.
Smith III describes himself as a defender with elite ball skills and speed, tools that can help a Colorado defense which allowed the second-most yards per game (453.3) in the Pac-12 last season. Also working in Smith III's favor is his familiarity with a few teammates and coaches from their time together at Jackson State.
"Those are my guys," Smith III said. "I'm just glad I'm back with them and I feel comfortable with them. I'm ready to bump it up a notch."
Smith III comes to Colorado with one final season of eligibility left and he hopes to make it a springboard into the 2025 NFL Draft, which could be headlined by his former (and current) teammate, Shedeur.
"I want to be ready for the NFL draft and be one of the top safeties/nickels to come out," Smith III said.
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This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Herman Smith III is 'ready to bump it up a notch' with Colorado football
