The Olsen Angle

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Clayton Smith is 6’4, 220 pounds and a 4-star Outside Linebacker for the recruiting class of 2021. The Oklahoma Sooners signee is unbelievably athletic. Whether it’s the bend in his hips and explosion off the snap of the ball at the OLB position or his ability to make leaping catches at WR, the young man exudes athleticism in every facet of his game.

The young man is also an elite edge rusher and it all starts with his explosion off the snap of the ball. Since he is able to gain ground with his explosion it sets up the speed rush opportunities and that’s why Clayton is successful when running the bell curve. He has good hip bend and can dip and rip past OL, but even if OL are able to get a punch and connect with Clayton’s breastplate he has active hands and does a great job of disengaging by either batting the OL hands away or clubbing the OL and ripping past them.

Clayton is not strictly a speed pass rusher though; you will see throughout the highlights that he can jolt OL with a bull rush and power moves. As soon as the OL has to anchor down Clayton’s active hands come into play and he is able to disengage.

The young man has insane closing speed and pursuit of the ball carrier and can effortlessly change direction. He is a high motor and high energy type of guy that plays with swagger. It is also worth mentioning that Clayton has good length to his frame and is a rangy defender with a large tackling radius. The young man is a hard hitter and delivers bone crushing hits and also, he is no slouch in the run game. He holds the point of attack and does a good job of sniffing out the ball carrier in read options and also hugs the hip of the tackle making it very difficult for pulling guards to block him. Watch Clayton’s highlights and recruit analysis.

Clayton Smith Recruit Analysis Clayton Smith is 6’4, 220 pounds and a 4-star Outside Linebacker for the recruiting class of 2021. The Oklahoma Sooners signee is unbelievably athletic. Whet...