5-star broad receiver Jeremiah Smith has submitted his Nationwide Letter of Intent to the Buckeyes, the college introduced Wednesday evening. Smith reaffirmed his dedication to the Buckeyes in a ceremony earlier within the day, however Ohio State coach Ryan Day was knowledgeable that the group had not obtained his NLI as of the group’s press convention within the afternoon. After a number of uncomfortable hours for Buckeyes followers, the group 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 group to a 14-0 file. Amid that prolific manufacturing, Miami, Florida State and Florida stayed in hot 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 powerful push till the very finish. Finally, he remained loyal to the Buckeyes, who proceed to face out as a vacation spot for elite broad 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 in addition 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 can give defenses suits given the uncommon mixture of his measurement, velocity, and palms. Wasn’t at all times 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 massive options. Sooner than fast, however does not take lengthy to hit his prime gear in pads, and is likely one of the finest in latest cycles at stacking defensive backs and attacking leverage. Has made a lot of 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 at the moment with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Potential Influence 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 broad receiver Julian Fleming in switch portal, there’s an opportunity the Buckeyes can be counting on a brand new group of broad 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 large. 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.
