Before Mazi Smith committed to Michigan football in summer 2018, the four-star defensive tackle from Grand Rapids resembled the proverbial big fish in a small pond.
At 6 feet 3 and 290 pounds, Smith was rated the No. 4 prospect in the state by 247Sports and the No. 2 defensive player behind cornerback Julian Barnett of Belleville. He was judged to be among the top 11 defensive linemen in the nation and the No. 105 prospect overall. Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State and Notre Dame were among the schools to offer Smith a scholarship; the sport’s best programs believed he could perform at an elite level.