Ohio State Buckeyes’ rising sophomore wide receiver Jeremiah Smith’s love for football began when he was just three years old. Tagging along to his older brother’s practices, he and his father would play catch on the sidelines for hours. His father, Chris, encouraged him to explore multiple sports, including basketball, track, and flag football.
However, football quickly became his passion. Chris never forced the game on him but made sure Jeremiah committed to whatever he started. Even at a young age, Jeremiah showed a seriousness about the sport that set him apart.
The Moment That Changed Everything for Jeremiah Smith
At just seven years old, Jeremiah faced a major setback, getting cut from the Miami Gardens Vikings. It was a moment that could have discouraged many young athletes, but for him, it only fueled his desire to improve.
“Getting cut, you don’t want that feeling again,” Smith said, reflecting on the experience in an interview with Fox News.
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Determined to never experience that disappointment again, he dedicated himself to becoming better. Training with his father at parks and gyms across South Florida, Jeremiah sharpened his skills relentlessly. His work ethic and drive set the foundation for his rise to becoming an elite football prospect.
How Jeremiah Smith Rose Through the Ranks
By the time Jeremiah joined the Miami Gardens Ravens at 11 years old, he was already making waves.
During a pivotal game against the Miami Gardens Chiefs, he delivered a standout performance, scoring a touchdown that helped his team dominate their rivals 34-0. That night, Jeremiah and his team became the talk of the South Florida football scene.
As part of a powerhouse youth team, he played alongside several future Division I stars. The Ravens attracted national attention, selling out local stadiums and even drawing NFL players to their games.
Social media highlight reels featuring Jeremiah’s one-handed catches made him a mini-celebrity. Through it all, he remained focused on the bigger picture—outworking everyone around him.
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His journey continued through high school, where he quickly proved himself against older competition. Coaches and teammates recognized his relentless drive and commitment, traits that set him apart from other talented players.
Today, as he prepares for the next chapter of his football career, Jeremiah remains motivated by that early rejection.
“He wants to be the best to ever do it,” said his former coach, Rod Mack.
That goal has driven him from the beginning—and it all started with a simple desire: To never feel that disappointment again.
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