When Steve Smith Sr. raves about a receiver, you should listen. Smith has correctly evaluated many college receivers in the past, and Jeremiah Smith is the latest young pass catcher to earn the NFL legend’s praise.
Jeremiah Smith’s Historic Freshman Season
“Fast, fluid, smooth, a hell of a route runner. He already looks like a pro wide receiver. You need to check his birth certificate,” said Smith regarding the freshman phenom. Jeremiah Smith is only one season into his college career and is already expected to be a superstar at the next level.
Steve Smith Sr. believes Jeremiah Smith would be the top pick in this upcoming draft. He sees the freshman’s ability to impact the game mightily despite not being a volume target hog as impressive and something that sets him apart.
Smith Sr. also highlights Jeremiah Smith’s build and says he could play in the NFL now.
What Jeremiah Smith has shown at just as a 19 year old is remarkable and never-before-seen. He might already be the best receiver in college football and projects to be even better at the pro level.
Smith just wrapped up an earth-shattering true freshman season by lifting the national championship trophy. He went for five catches, 88 yards, and a touchdown against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, including the game-sealing 57-yard reception. He finished with over 1,300 yards and 15 TDs for the season — both are all-time true freshman records, by the way.
The top player in the 2024 recruiting class came into Columbus with sky-high expectations and managed to exceed them. Due to the program’s development style, it is rare to see true freshman receivers at Ohio State make significant impacts early on. However, Smith was an exception.
He earned his role as a starter in the offense as early as the spring. “I love the way he approaches things and the questions he asks. I love the way he makes mistakes and then corrects them. It’s very veteran-like. And there’s so much ball he has to learn,” said WRs coach Brian Hartline after Ohio State’s spring game.
Everyone around Smith comes away with the same conclusion. He looks like a veteran on the field. This shows that his work ethic is top-tier.
Smith performed best under bright lights, and this comes from the work he has put in. He knows he belongs out there and aggressively attacks each aspect of the game. Smith has something special to him, and it comes from his mentality and preparedness.
He also brings a lot of physical tools to the table. Smith was listed on Bruce Feldman’s annual “Freaks List” before the season. The 19-year-old already has a pro-level body and moves as well as anyone in the country.
KEEP READING: Smith Claps Back at Notre Dame Fan After Ohio State’s National Championship Win
Smith will be a top pick when his time comes, but until then, he will continue dominating on and off the field.
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