Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR) – Ohio St./Junior
6’0” / 197.0 lbs (Unofficial)
2021 Stats: 13 games, 95 receptions, 1606 yards, 16.9 yards per reception, 9 touchdowns
{Reference: https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/jaxon-smith-njigba-1.html}
Awards: 2021 #1 Big 10 Receptions (95) & Receiving YDS (1606)
Measurables: (AVAILABLE POST COMBINE/PRO DAY)
Games Watched: 2021 Vs. Penn St., 2021 Vs. Oregon
PRO’S
Jaxon Smith-Njigba has good spatial awareness, knows how to avoid defenders throughout his route and eliminate timing miscues between him and his quarterback, also understands where to cut his routes to find holes in the defenses zone. Short area quickness. Was surrounded by alphas at a young age and did not shy away from it, rose to the top. Does what he is asked to do, will stay in and block, will take routes over the middle to move the chains that may result in big contact. Nice route vs. Oregon 2021 (3rd QTR, 10:30), from the slot, shakes defender trying to jam him 2 yards past line of scrimmage, catches TD between defender underneath and safety over the top.
CON’S
Does not have elite breakaway speed to hit the home run, 2022 vs. Penn St. (3rd QTR, 10:30), gets the ball, makes the first defender miss and has nothing but green grass in front of him for about 40 yards and gets caught by 3 PSU defenders. Limited to a role in the slot. The lingering hamstring issue is a concern.
OVERALL
JSN was surrounded by absolute dudes at Ohio St. and he still managed to stand-out amongst them which is very impressive. Has a knack for getting open right when the quarterback is under the most duress, he’ll be a safety blanket wherever he goes. Though he lacks high end speed, he is very quick, especially when he’s within arms reach of a defender. Held to just 3 games his junior season due to a lingering hamstring injury.
Completed by: @coachschepps, 02/13/23
Reviewed & edited: J. Clark, 02/13/23
