NJDuck Moderator No. 1 Share Posted February 7, 2023 Familiar name us Duck fans know: "We’ve said the ’25 QB class in California is a strong one and another signal caller we’re high on early is Vista Murrieta’s (Calif.) Akili Smith Jr. If that name sounds familiar, it should. Smith’s father Akili Smith was a JUCO all-American out of San Diego (Calif.) Grossmont back in 1996 before playing two years for Oregon and earning All-American honors for the Ducks in ’98. Smith was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the ’99 Draft with the 3rd overall pick. He’s now coaching quarterbacks and his son has made huge strides in the last year. We’ve been watching Smith Jr. since middle school and like where his game is trending. He’s a big quarterback and looks all of 6-5, 200 pounds and has a huge arm. He has worked hard to tighten his release and looks a lot more fluid as a passer. He’s still growing in to his body but can already make a lot of college level throws and it’s exciting to see where his game could be at by the time he’s a senior year. On the recruiting front, Smith saw his stock soar in January with new offers coming in from Michigan, Miami, Oregon and San Diego State. He already previous offers from Arizona, Cal and Fresno State. The offer from the Ducks obviously meant a lot to him." '25 QB Akili Smith Jr. has seen his stock soar this off-season 247SPORTS.COM We’ve said the ’25 QB class in California is a strong one and another signal caller we’re high on early is Vista Murrieta’s (Calif.) Akili Smith Greg Biggins breaks down what could make 2025 QB prospect Akili Smith Jr. special 247SPORTS.COM Greg Biggins breaks down what could make 2025 QB prospect Akili Smith Jr. special 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...