Freshman safety Jayden Smitherman brings a proven tackling résumé to SEMO
Smitherman arrives at Southeast Missouri State as a **freshman safety** with a strong high-school track record: at Ravenwood, he reportedly led the team with **104 tackles**, **4 interceptions**, and **5 tackles for loss** as a senior, while also earning Region 6-6A Special Teams Player of the Year as a junior.[9] Listed at **5-foot-9, 172 pounds**, he profiles as an active, instinctive defensive back whose value goes beyond box-score stats—he earned defensive MVP recognition in high school for disruptive, high-motor play and timely stops.[6][9] For a team wanting a feisty, tackling-first DB with upside, he looks like a developmental fit.[1][2][9]
