Freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) makes a one-handed catch during Ohio State's spring practice.Credit: Courtesy of Ohio State Athletics | Zachary Kelly
Jeremiah Smith stunned Ryan Day. of seeds.
On December 20, 2023, the Ohio State University football head coach stood before the media during his weekly press conference at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center and announced that Smith had officially signed his letter of intent. Immediately after the announcement came in, I pretended to faint. Make him a Buckeye.
Only 13 practices into the spring season, Smith has done nothing but impress. Senior wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, the 2024 receiving room leader, said Smith comes to practice every day and puts his head down and does his job.
“There's nothing he can't do,” Egbuka said. “He runs fast, jumps high, is strong and is a natural pass catcher.”
Despite being a five-star wide receiver, No.1 Expectations for players in the Class of 2024, especially true freshmen early in the season, are typically modest.
But Smith has already rejected that theory. From Student Appreciation Day to average weekly practices, the 6-foot-3, 215-pound receiver has captured the world's attention on social media after several games. video He caught a pass over Ohio State's top secondary player. viral.
However, some say that when the cameras aren't on, Smith is just as impressive as people make him seem.
Head coach Day said if Smith continues to develop as well as he has, he could potentially take a starter's role in the Buckeyes' three-deep offense, as he has already started practicing with the first-team offense.
“If he continues on the path he's on, he's going to play a lot of football and I'm sure he'll get a chance to start,” Day said.
On March 21, Smith also announced that his black stripes It was a tradition introduced in 2012 by former head coach Urban Meyer to recognize new players who demonstrated dedication to improving themselves and the team. Smith, who was unmarked just four practices into the spring season, became the first and fastest player in history among the Class of 2024 to be unmarked.
“Jeremiah really stepped in. He got rid of the black stripes right away. He has a great approach, so I'm going to be careful with what I say, but I'm sure watching him He's a lot of fun and we're all really excited about his future,” Day said.
Friday was Ohio State's 14th spring practice, and Saturday's spring game will be its 15th and final until summer practice begins. Mr Day said more than 50,000 tickets had already been sold and it would be a great chance for young players like Smith to “put on a good show”.
