Ja'ir Smith brings proven ball skills and steady production to Cal’s secondary
Smith is a compact, experienced defensive back who posted **12 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack, and 1 interception in 12 games in 2024**, giving Cal a versatile DB with real playmaking flashes.[1][2] His profile stands out for range and confidence in coverage, plus enough physicality to contribute near the line of scrimmage, which is reinforced by his strong pre-Cal production at College of San Mateo (36 tackles, 3 interceptions, 7 pass breakups in 2023).[2] He looks like a good fit for a team that values instinctive, multi-role defensive backs more than pure size or hype.[2][3]
