Gateway linebacker Jakson Smith seeking breakthrough season

By: Matthew Purucker
Sunday, June 29, 2025 | 11:01 AM

Football players know that when they become upperclassmen, coaches expect more from them. That does not necessarily mean more tackles or highlight reel plays. Rather, it is an understanding that they are more capable of helping the team win.

Gateway junior linebacker Jakson Smith is one of those players who has gotten better, and he will try to do anything asked of him.

“I’ve definitely become more confident in my reads and quicker in my decisions,” Smith said. “Physically, I’m stronger and faster, which helps a ton. Plus, understanding the game better has made a huge difference.”

Smith completed his sophomore season with 102 tackles, three sacks and seven tackles for loss amid a disappointing 3-7 campaign for the Gators. Gateway finished 2-4 in the WPIAL 5A Big East conference and lost 28-27 at home to Latrobe late in the season to miss the playoffs.

“I think I had a solid season, but there’s always room to improve and level up my performance,” Smith said.

“I’m looking to make a run for the WPIAL championship,” he added, “by bringing energy for the team, making smart plays and being a leader on and off the field.”

From the middle linebacker position, Smith will call the plays for the Gateway defense. With another offseason to grow in confidence and leadership, Smith believes he will play a crucial part in leading Gateway to a return to the WPIAL playoffs.

“Jakson is the third of three brothers that have played for us, and his dad was a coach at various levels as well. He’s a coach’s kid. He’s an instinct guy and a guy that understands what’s going on around him,” Gateway coach Don Holl said. “You add that to his understanding, his athleticism, his toughness, physicality, tackling ability. All those things make him a special player.

“He had a sophomore-like body. He was very, very productive as such, and going forward, he’s had a great offseason in the weight room. And he’s bigger, stronger and faster, and his ceiling is so high. We’re super excited about him being productive going forward.”

Smith has visited some camps to improve his skills and footwork, and he expects his determination in the summer will pay off with team and individual success in the fall. However, trying to single out how he has progressed in specific skills is difficult.

“What hasn’t he improved on? He’s obviously become more comfortable calling the defense. … It seems like he’s growing taller every year,” Holl said. “He’s definitely taking on more of a leadership role in the locker room. All of those things are essential.”

Holl noted he expects Smith to play every down of every game and believes he can make spark plays that boost the energy of the team. Whatever Gateway does this season, Smith’s will be a big part of it.

“He’s a guy that’s easy to coach and easy to root for,” Holl said. “Sometimes, as coaches, we’re excited to watch our guys perform, and I’m excited to see him perform this fall.”

Gateway begins the 2025 campaign with an Aug. 22 trip to State College.

“I’m super dedicated and always working to get better,” Smith said. “I’m excited for the season and ready to give it my all.”

Tags: Gateway