James Franklin has picked up a second offensive recruit in three days adding a quarterback to Penn State’s 2023 recruiting class on Friday.
Three-star quarterback Jaxon Smolik announced his verbal commitment to Penn State football’s Class of 2023 Friday afternoon. Smolik reopened his recruitment on Thursday after decommitting from Tulane.
Despite his commitment to Tulane in June, Penn State persisted in pursuing Smolik, who attended a Nittany Lion camp on July 29 and received an offer two days later.
The 6-foot-2, 200-pound prospect hails from West Des Moines, Iowa, making him the first Iowan to commit to Penn State since kicker 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 in the nation, 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 at Dowling Catholic High School. After battling back from the injury, he 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
“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.”
