Jacob Smart '22 Recruiting Profile

Hello coaches,

My name is Jacob Brian Smart, an 18 year old senior at skyridge high school in Lehi, Utah. Im not a huge talker and I find it especially difficult to talk about me and any attempt to sell myself to obtain interest from anyone viewing my profile.  I’m the type that Prefers action over words, fact over fiction.  After I describe these truths and facts, I believe it will justify why I would be a great candidate for you and your team? 

My greatest weakness is by far my greatest strength, let me explain.  The name Jacob Smart wasn’t even associated with running, track and hurdles under a year ago.  That’s because on April 11th 2021, I jumped over my 1st hurdle as a dare and  continued the dare 2 days later (4/13/2021) , running my first 110 hurdles race at a track meet at my high school.  I don’t even remember my time ( high 17”s-18”) , I was approached by members of the track team, and their coach, to see if I’d run in the last couple weeks of the 2021 track season. I agreed because i couldn’t get over how It felt to run over these hurdles and I wanted more.

Fast forward 29 days to May 12th 2021, high school regionals at American Fork, Utah.   I broke the school record in the 110 Hurdles (P.R 16.27), It’s only the 5th time I’ve raced the 110 hurdles.  I’ve only competed 6 times in the 300 hurdles (P.R 43.10). The times aren’t turning any heads, but each race I improved my skill level resulting in faster times.  I was hooked and like anything else in my life that peaks my interest, I fully committed to being one of the top runners in the 110 & 300 hurdles my senior year 2022. 

I worked 3-4 jobs over last summer because I needed to train full time starting in the fall if I wanted to stay on track with my goals. Why so many jobs? I have to pay my way with everything I do: car, insurance, phone, clothes, food, etc… my dad was caught up in a business legal battle and went to prison when I was 12 years old. 6 months after that me and my 8 siblings were taken by CPS from my mom for multiple charges of abuse, neglect, etc….  I became self reliant  and independent as me and my siblings bounced around the dark hallways of the foster care system.  

Those that know my history sometimes do the whole pity thing, but I made a promise to myself and my dad that i would never play the victim. 

I use these life hurdles as fuel for success in all areas of my life: academics, athletics, work, ethics, character improvements, social causes and more. It has given me and continues to give me an edge over my competitors and peers. 

My summer days usually began at 4-4:30am going to the gym for strength training.  Then off to work my jobs from 6:30am to 7-8pm. Followed by hurdle workouts at home with hurdles I borrowed over the summer and then I’d fall asleep watching videos and races of greats like: Karsten Warholm, Devon Allen and Omar McLeod.  I study their form and techniques over and over again to improve every little thing I can so I can compete against kids who have been training since the age of 6.  I participated in as many summer camps that I could afford; BYU hurdle camp, Westlake hurdle camp & training, etc.. 

I entered fall training with a pretty solid base and started to gear up for the indoor track season and the 60m hurdles. 

I only competed in three 60m hurdle races during indoor track, but my training and effort were reflected by the times I logged.  At the multi state indoor championships I placed 3rd  in the finals of the 60m hurdles with a 8.28 (1st-8.26, 2nd 8.27).  It’s the the 2nd fastest 60m hurdle time in Utah behind Ryan Train whose ranked 7th in the nation.

I love that people are trying to figure out who I am and where I came from. It pushes me and motivates me to continue to push beyond the physical and mental limits I thought possible.  I know I will end up with my goal times for the 110m hurdles in the low 14 seconds and the times of high 37” to low 38’ in the 300m hurdles. Follow and watch me!!

I look forward to competing at the collegiate level with coaches and trainers that can assist me to a whole other level of improvement and success.  I know that I have only begun to see what I’m capable of during these last 10 months of training. I’m excited to see what 4 years of college training and coaching can do to assist me to the levels I believe I’m capable of.  

You may not know my name yet, but you will!! Hope to see you around!!

Best Regards, Jacob Brian Smart