Ohio State University first-year wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has impressed many this summer with his unique skills and professionalism, and the first-year freshman sensation now gets the chance to put those skills to the test in a starting lineup.
When asked by the media if the former five-star wideout and top recruit in the nation will be among the three wide receivers starting for the Buckeyes, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day answered with a simple “yes.”
This is no surprise to those familiar with the program or insiders, as Smith has shown on multiple occasions that he is capable of holding his own against top talent on defense and has made several jaw-dropping plays against some of Ohio State’s most talented players in the secondary during fall practice.
That, along with the skills he showed as an early enrollee in spring camp, have allowed Smith to make history in his first few months in the program. When he earned the award on March 21, he became the fastest freshman ever to lose his black stripe and become an “official” member of the team. He also became the first true freshman to earn the Iron Buckeye award – given to those who excel in the weight room – since former head coach Urban Meyer and strength coach Mickey Marotti started both traditions in 2012.
“He takes his game very, very seriously,” Day said earlier this month. “He works hard off the field and when he doesn’t get a chance, he’s hard on himself. (It’s) rare to find someone that’s that talented but also has really good discipline and skills at that age. We haven’t played a game yet, but he definitely commands a lot of respect from his teammates.”
Now Smith will look to continue making history with the Buckeyes and establish himself as one of quarterback Will Howard’s favorite pass receivers this season alongside projected starters Emeka Egbuka (slot) and Carnell Tate (outside).
As a full-time starter, Smith could break Ohio State’s freshman wide receiver records, all of which were set by Pro Football Hall of Fame member Chris Carter, who totaled 648 receiving yards, 41 receptions and eight touchdowns as a rookie with the Buckeyes in 1984.
While sensational rookie Smith will be in the starting lineup at receiver this Saturday, Day said there are several other wide receivers still vying for significant playing time, most notably slot receiver Brandon Inniss as well as backups Kojo Antwi, Jayden Ballard and Bryson Rodgers.
“You’re going to see all of these guys play,” Day said. “I’m excited to see them play. They’ve had a good preseason. They’ve got a few days left to prepare for that first week. But they’re just as excited to get there as anybody else.”
