5-star huge receiver Jeremiah Smith has submitted his Nationwide Letter of Intent to the Buckeyes, the varsity introduced Wednesday night time. Smith reaffirmed his dedication to the Buckeyes in a ceremony earlier within the day, however Ohio State coach Ryan Day was knowledgeable that the crew had not acquired his NLI as of the crew’s press convention within the afternoon. After a couple of uncomfortable hours for Buckeyes followers, the crew ended hypothesis on the matter with a social media announcement shortly after 10 p.m. ET.
Smith, the primary receiver ever ranked because the No. 1 participant within the 247Sports recruiting rankings, first dedicated to Buckeyes in December 2022 however was doggedly pursued by others whereas cementing himself as a uncommon expertise.
Smith completed his highschool profession at powerhouse Chaminade-Madonna Prep in South Florida with over 3,000 yards receiving. As a senior, he caught 88 passes for 1,376 yards, main his crew to a 14-0 file. Amid that prolific manufacturing, Miami, Florida State and Florida stayed in scorching pursuit of Smith main as much as the early signing interval.
Florida State and Florida every had in-home visits with Smith this month, and Smith has shut ties with a number of gamers who’re dedicated to Miami, who made a robust push till the very finish. In the end, he remained loyal to the Buckeyes, who proceed to face out as a vacation spot for elite huge receiver prospects.
Jeremiah Smith’s sport
Because the cousin of former star West Virginia quarterback and present Seattle Seahawks star Geno Smith, Ohio State’s latest prize comes from an athletic pedigree. He started shining for Chaminade-Madonna Prep as a sophomore, and likewise starred in observe throughout his highschool profession. Right here is extra on his sport from 247Sports director of scouting Andrew Ivins:
An absolute bully on the catch level that may give defenses matches given the uncommon mixture of his dimension, velocity, and palms. Wasn’t all the time the most important child, however owns a extra college-ready body at roughly 6-foot-3, 195 kilos, and is probably going solely going so as to add extra mass within the coming years as he has giant options. Sooner than fast, however does not take lengthy to hit his prime gear in pads, and is likely one of the greatest in latest cycles at stacking defensive backs and attacking leverage. Has made quite a few highlight-reel worthy grabs over time – together with a nifty one-handed snag as a senior on ESPN2 – and oftentimes comes down with no matter enters his orbit as he makes use of excellent physique management and spectacular focus to safe the prize.
Ivins in contrast Smith to Julio Jones, the previous Alabama star and seven-time Professional Bowler presently with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Potential Impression on Ohio State
The standing of Ohio State’s receiver room for 2024 stays up within the air as prime targets Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka weigh their futures. Harrison is taken into account the No. 1 total participant within the 2024 CBS Sports activities NFL Draft Prospect Rankings, whereas Egbuka is ranked No. 20. However neither has made their future plans identified but. With No. 3 huge receiver Julian Fleming in switch portal, there’s an opportunity the Buckeyes will likely be counting on a brand new group of huge receivers.
Contemplating the potential attrition on the place for the Buckeyes — together with the truth that they are going to be counting on a brand new beginning quarterback following Kyle McCord’s switch to Syracuse — touchdown Smith is big. Ohio State signed three of the top-10 receivers within the 2023 recruiting class: Carnell Tate, Brandon Inniss and Noah Rogers. The Buckeyes ought to nonetheless boast a supremely gifted receiving corps subsequent season, even when Harrison and Egbuka declare for the draft.
