JEROD SMITH II #99
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 270lb
Position: DL
Class: Junior
Hometown: Corbin, KY
Summary: Not sure we could have picked a better player to kick off the ‘Countdown Season’ than Jerod Smith II. Not only does he encompass the staff fully embarrassing the transfer portal, he also highlights the recruiting relationships being built across the state and across the region, headlined by Vince Marrow, the Cards new ‘Executive Director of Football Personnel and Recruiting’.
Marrow’s relationship with both Jerod and his brother Jacob (LB) was a selling feature for the duo to make the trip down I-64, but equally important was the trajectory of the program who is looking to hunt championships and playoff appearances. Jerod played two seasons for the Wildcats, and used 2025 as an opportunity to post 27 tackles, 5 TFL, and a sack while seeing action in all twelve games. In the spring camp Jerod was making his presence known early with good speed and what a few outlets have referred to as “heavy hands” meaning he is ready to punch some unsuspecting lineman, with some verified power behind it. While we’re still (checks notes) ninety nine days until kickoff, I can see Smith as a starting caliber edge in 2026 for the Cards. We’ll ignore the prior grievances of his time in Lexington, and begin to scrub the internet for any L’s Down propaganda.